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1908.82.204.1

Origami helmet-shaped paper amulet [.1] enclosing grains, in stamped paper envelope [.2]. [SM 07/10/2008]

1908.82.204.1

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Collection type
Object
Description
Origami helmet-shaped paper amulet [.1] enclosing grains, in stamped paper envelope [.2]. [SM 07/10/2008]
Geographical reference
Japan
Asia > Eastern Asia > Japan
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 Plant Seed, Material Pigment, Process Stamped, Process Printed
Dimensions
Width: max 35 mm, Width: max 82 mm, Length: max 29 mm, Length: max 121 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1908.82.204.1 Accession number: 1908.82.204.2 Other numbers: Chamberlain no. 243
Research and responses

This object was examined along with others from the Chamberlain Collection by Sekiko Matsuzaki-Petitmengin in June 2003 and 15 October 2007. She placed this object within the category of Engi (history of temples etc) [SM 07/10/2008]

This object was examined by Professor Itaru Chijiwa during his research visit in November 2008. He noted a spelling mistake in the Accession Book Entry, Card Catalogue and written on the object, the temple is spelt "Kiyomasa", not "Kyomasa". He also noted that the helmet shaped amulet [.1] contains five dots inside it. These dots are a a very powerful medicine produced by monks and used on people who are seriously ill. "Myofu reiyaku" is written in the centre of the front of the amulet. This translates as "sacred medicine" [SM 04/12/2008]

Further information from Professor Itaru Chijiwa. This kind of amulet (one containing medicine) is made at a number of temples. The way in which the paper is folded depends of the temple. At Kiyomasa, the paper that contains the medicine is folded into a helmet shape. [SM 4/3/2009]

The inscription on this object was transcribed and translated by Fusa McLynn who volunteered at the Museum in 2009 as: “Seisho daisongi gokito myofu kano yogo, Joseiji Jochiden”. [SM 07/04/2009]

Search terms: Religion, Ornament, Armour Weapon, Model, Amulet, Religious Offering, Prayer Object, Envelope

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