National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

This type of Buddhist scepter (J. nyoi; Ch. ruyi) is a ritual implement held by speakers to add decorum to formal occasions like sermons, lectures, and ceremonies. The head of the scepter is made of a hammered bronze plate with gilding and silvering. The cloud-shaped head is wide with a foliate point in the center. Large and small arcs are rendered on either side, the ends of which spiral inward. The top end of the cloud gradually grows thinner as it bends toward the back, where it is attached to a black lacquered wooden shaft by a pointed metal fitting with openwork hearts. Bird feather-like patterns are incised along the edge of the cloud-shaped head. In the center, a pair of phoenixes face each other holding composite Buddhist flowers (hōsōge) in their beaks. The flowers are symmetrically arranged to cover nearly the entire cloud-shaped head. Between the flowers, three birds and a butterfly are flying. Below the phoenixes, mountain-like motifs are sprouting flowers and leaves. The bent part of the head also has a pair of phoenixes and hōsōge flowers, and the metal fitting has the same flowers with a pair of mandarin ducks. The scepter makes complementary use of gold and silver to brilliant effect. The designs are incised in fine lines that were then gilt, with the remaining ground in between silvered.