Sutra Container, 1100s. This is a portable container once used to preserve a miniature Buddhist sacred text. Created by hammering the reverse, high-relief designs on both the front and back of the case depict a peaceful pond where young boys are holding giant lotus flowers in their hands, and a pair of mandarin ducks are swimming. Probably the playful boys represent newly reborn souls in the Pure Land, as described in the Lotus Sutra, a widely popular Buddhist scripture during the Goryeo dynasty (936-1392).

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Size: 3382px × 3737px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 918-1392, art, bronze, cleveland, decoration, gilt, goryeo, heritage, high, incised, korea, metalwork, museum, period, relief, unknown