Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Figures Appearing on Special Containers Going back to our original list of the elements used for containers of special objects, we noted the use of figures. These figures may be animals, gods, or human. Let's take a look at our ever growing list of containers for special objects to see if this holds true- The Gau used in central Asia (Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan, etc..) is a small but ornate case for carrying prayer text, diagrams. Some of these have Buddhas and Buddhist symbols. A particular type of bowl to hold nuts for divination is used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Various faces, and animals. Salt cellars in Europe were used to keep salt. A few of them have animals such as fish, and feet. Cumdach or book shrines, were ornate covers for books created in medieval Ireland. One of them has a crucifix, and the others may allude to a cross, but otherwise no figures. Phylacteries are small boxes worn by some Jews on their heads. They contain a prayer. Writting and symbols, but no figures. Stupas in Southeast Asia may often have a relic and other things within. Eye's near the base of the spire. Buddhas in relief on the stupa. Flags that decorate the stupa may have images or symbols of Buddha. Church Floor Plans. We used this as an example of symmetry, while the floor plans do not feature a figure, the interiors of some churches are often decorated with them. Grave Markers. If there is decoration at all, it may include a figure. Temple Doors. Some don't, but others do. Totem Poles. Yup, lots of figures there....wow. Chalices, cups used in religious ceremony. Yup, here too. Palanquin is meant to carry a person, or perhaps a statue of a person. It has handles (for the bearers to carry) a seat (the container) and perhaps a roof or canopy. The carries themselves could be considered part of the decoration. Spirit Houses are often found in Thailand. Some are decorated with figures. Ultimate Sanctuaries at the Nara National Museum featured a variety of reliquaries. Most items shown on the web page have a distinct tripartite division. This includes an exquisitely crafted example from the Songnim-sa Temple in Korea. Some pieces in this show do have figures, others do not. Modern day crematory urns. Yup! A Mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine which spirits inhabit. Pretty much like the palanquin above as far as transportation and the notion of the carriers as part of the decoration. Tibet Portable Shrine (colluminar). As we note the repeated designs on the exterior include Buddhas and flames. Lotus Shrine with articulated petals. Looks like there is some symbols around the exterior...hard to tell. Tibet Portable Shrine in silver offers rich, repeated, decoration, as well as a small window in which to view a statue. Figures and Buddhist symbols on the exterior The Catholic Ostensorium is similiar, in that it allows one to see the object within. Note the rays eminating from the containing area in the first picture. Also includes figures Tibet Portable Shrine, painted wood has a more simple decoration, yet quite colorful. Hmm..flowers...symbolic, yes, figurative...I guess not... India Portable Shrine, of painted wood Oh, yes. Jumbo "portable" shrine. Nope, I don't think so. The Dragon's Gate sites offering of a do it yourself Obutsudan. (Looks like an error on the Dragon's gate page, the first picture can be found here.) Small buddhist symbol, not really a figure (on the outside.) A modern day portable shrine suitable for multiple religions, offers a sophisticated interior, but a plain exterior. Nope Well, we do see a number of these containers do include figures (as well as symbols or writing.) Any more? 10:42:00 PM