National Treasure

Shiketsu (Posts Erested at Four Corners of Alter to Rope off Sanctuary), Gilt bronze
独鈷
Metalwork · Heian, 12th centuryTNM
Home › Browse › Metalwork › Muromachi period › “Flower Garland” with a Woman on Horseback
Ornaments called [keman] (“flower garlands”) are typically hung inside Buddhist temples. However, this example was passed down at Niutsuhime Shrine and bears little resemblance to a flower garland. Depicting a woman on horseback, it may have been presented to the shrine as a sacred offering in the hope that a particular wish would come true.
— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.














