Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties
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Important Cultural Property

Buddhist Scepter

如意
Buddhist Scepter (如意)
PLATE IImage: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Art Object · Nara period, 8th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category
Art Objects
Date
701–800
Location
Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID
cobas-117927

Find more

This implement shaped like a backscratcher was used to correct posture and behavior in Buddhist ceremonies. This one is made of the horn of a water buffalo, and the small claw-like upper part and slender overall appearance are characteristic of scepters up to the Nara period.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Buddhist Scepter（如意）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-117927. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/buddhist-scepter/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural Property
  • Genre: Collection of Hōryūji Treasures
  • Material: Horn
  • 員数: 1口
  • 分類: 法隆寺宝物
  • 品質形状: 角製
  • 法量: 長65.7 幅2.3～6.6

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