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

This ewer is comprised of a turnip-shaped body, a long neck expanding at the top like a horn and a foot expanding at the bottom. The entire body was cast at the same time, while the bottom of the foot was jointed separately.
This type of metal ewer can be found in many regions within the sphere of Buddhist culture, but there are no other examples like this one on which delicate patterns are depicted in fine hairline engraving and thus this ewer is precious. Patterns of grapevine scrolling, lotus flower petals, circular chain links and feathers can be found on the neck, two dragons intertwined with each other are on the body and patterns of circles and lotus flower petals can be seen on the foot. Considering the styles of these patterns, the expressions and characteristics of the technique of production, it would be natural to consider that this ewer was produced in Japan.
The bare metal gives off a golden gleam where it is exposed in spots, which is reminiscent of its resplendent color, just like gold in those days.