Image Missing: Hearst Museum object titled Metal pitcher, accession number 9-10826a,b, described as pitcher, holy water, with aspergil; pitcher is copper body with silver top, base, and spout (which emerges from dragon’s mouth), and turquoise at end of spout; aspergil is copper and silver tube stuffed with peacock feathers and kusa grass; copper is plain, silver is decorated; a) pitcher; b) aspergil; used in ceremonies such as “praying for ablution”, “the obtaining of long life,” etcetera. Water in the vase often contains saffron and sugar; water is poured into a dish or on a mirror which reflects the image of Buddha. These items, though not this one, usually have a silk covering