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

This casted silver plate has the shape of a six-petal flower, with a low stand. The upper side is gold-plated with a transparent-lacquered bottom part, as the stand is attached by brazing. The Hitorimizutoridama (lit. fire-catching and water-catching stones) were kept on this plate. Such deep and round plates are also seen among the Shōsōin Treasures, e.g., the Gilt Bronze Eight-Lobed Oval Cup. The origin of this type of plate can be traced back to the silverwares of the Sassanid Empire. Although the shape is rounder than the Sassanian ones, this piece is more similar to them in comparison with other examples, which makes this piece unique among The Hōryūji Treasures.