1908.82.116

Collection type

Object

Description

Amulet for good fortune, paper envelope, glued closed, with inscriptions in black and red , black symbols and a red stamp. [SM 17/10/2008]

Long description

Amulet for good fortune, paper envelope, glued closed, with inscriptions in black and red , black symbols and a red stamp. The red stamp is of a lotus flower with a flame coming out of it. Inside the flame is a Sanskrit character "Kiriku", which is associated with Kannon. [SM 17/10/2008]

Geographical reference

Japan

Asia > Eastern Asia > Japan

Honshu

Cultural groups

Japanese

Person

Field collector Basil Hall Chamberlain

PRM source Basil Hall Chamberlain

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1908

Date collected

By 1908

Acquisition information

Donated: 1908

Materials and processes

Material Paper Plant, Material Ink, Material Pigment, Material Glue, Process Stamped, Process Printed, Process Glued

Dimensions

Width: max 45 mm, Length: max 89 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1908.82.116 Other numbers: Chamberlain no. 31

Research and responses

This object was examined by Professor Itaru Chijiwa during his research visit in November 2008. He noted that the Sanskrit character "Boron" was stamped on the back of the object. The central grill-shaped/cross-hatched shape character is a symbol used to ward of evil spirits and below this is a five pointed star. Amulets with this type of meaning are referred to as "Majinai" He also noted that the Sanskrit character on the front of the amulet is "Kiriku", which is associated with Kannon. [SM 28/11/2008]

The inscription on this object was transcribed and translated by Fusa McLynn who volunteered at the Museum in 2009 as: “Kaiun goshugo” - Amulet for good luck. [SM 10/02/2009]

Search terms: Religion, Ornament, Writing, Amulet, Envelope, Inscription, Religious Object