censer, long-handled type; hinged lid with Buddhistic wheel in center; incised lotus and floral designs throughout; copper with gold overlay; used in Buddhist rites; wheel on lid called chakra in Sanskrit, rimbo in Japanese; wheel is a very ancient Indian symbol; in Buddhist symbolism it acquired a special significance as the “Wheel of the Law” which was put into motion by the historical Buddha after his Enlightenment
Donor:
Albert M. Bender
Collection place:
Japan
Materials:
Copper (metal) and Gold (metal)
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Censers (ceremonial containers) and Censers (incense burners)
Function:
5.1 Religion and Divination: Objects and garb associated with practices reflecting submission, devotion, obedience, and service to supernatural agencies
Accession date:
1968
Department:
Asia (except western Russia)
Comment:
Exhibit Label - 2019 - Krisa Fredrickson Incense Pop-Up Censer (egoro) used in Buddhist rites and depicting the "Wheel of Law," which was put into motion by the historical Buddha after his enlightenment. Incense was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism in the 6th century.