Ewer (Shigigata Suibyō)
Unknown Artist
1185–1333
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
27 × 22 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Bequest of Elizabeth M. Skala
Accession Number
1990.17
About this artwork
Ewers such as this one are known as Shigi-shaped for their association with the temple Chōgosonshiji located near Mount Shigi west of the city of Nara. It once contained water for use in ceremonies conducted before Buddhist deities. Known as kundika in Sanskrit, water vessels were originally one of 18 items monks needed to have to perform their daily duties.