.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Jasper Talisman
Kofun Period 3rd - 6th c. AD, Japan
Height: 9cm
A stone talisman carved of Jasper (Hekigyoku) and burnished to a green color revealing veins of contrasting green. It is carved in the form of a “Koto ji” (Harp bridge) with raised bands of horizontal ribbing. Its overall form is a truncated triangle with an ovoid finial on the top and a scooped center section. The bottom has a notch out of the center with the extremities appearing as two legs that would slide into the body of the harp. These talismans are found adorning the burial sites of high-ranking individuals and take various forms, the Koto-ji form being among the most rare. Examples of similar pieces are found in two academic publications from the Kyoto National Museum and one by the Bunkacho. (copies available)
This piece shows evidence of naturally occurring cracks, fissures and abrasion, but no evidence of breakage.
Bunkacho export permit in hand.
Provenance:
Private Japanese Collection, Japan
John Weber Collection, New York
Literature:
Proser, Adriana. “The Art of Impermanence, Japanese Works from the John C. Weber Collection and Mr. and Mrs. John D Rockefeller 3rd Collection” New York Asia Society, 2020) plate 6. page 58.
Exhibited:
“The Art of Impermanence, Japanese Works from the John C. Weber Collection and Mr. and Mrs. John D Rockefeller 3rd Collection” New York Asia Society, 2020)
.jpg)