Round Tray
Not on view
The underside and curved rim of this tray, with a low wide ring foot, are lacquered to a glossy black that contrasts with the red surface. Inscribed in red lacquer on the black underside is the name of the Tōdaiji temple. Such objects, familiarly known as "rising sun trays" (Hinomaru-bon) after their resemblance to the Japanese national flag, are used to serve meals to monks during the two-week shuni-e ritual of purification performed annually at the Hokkedō hall in the Tōdaiji temple complex in Nara. The ceremony marks the beginning of the Buddhist liturgical calendar and invokes peace and prosperity for the nation.
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