Almsbowl, c. 1100
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Lacquer on wood coreexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2000.87.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
The almsbowl was one of the few essential possessions of a Buddhist monk specified in the Vinaya, the sixth century BCE code of Buddhist monastic practice. Simple monochromatic vessels like this, based on clay Indian prototypes, symbolized the monks' vow of poverty. Of perfectly rounded form, with sides rising from a round base and curving inward to a wide rimless mouth, this bowl is the epitomy of refined elegance and Song taste.
The oldest surviving lacquered almsbowls are eighth century examples preserved in the Shoso-in Repository in Nara, Japan. This extremely rare bowl appears to be the most refined in form and finish of all recorded examples and has been dated by carbon-14 analysis of its wooden core to about 1100 CE.
Details
- Title
- Almsbowl
- Role
- Artist
- Dimension
- H.4 x Dia.8-3/16 in.
- Accession Number
- 2000.87.3
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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