amulet;
card;
bell
- Museum number
- As2001,16.58.a-b
- Description
-
Amulet (omamori) (a) in the shape of a plastic white eggplant (made of clear plastic with a purple stalk), a bell and a token in the shape of ancient Japanese coins (with the place-names Amanohashidate and Monju-do on one side and the function of the amulet (for prosperity) on the other) attached to a synthetic multi-coloured cord. Through the clear plastic body of the eggplant-shaped container can be seen seven minute golden amulets, each representing one of the Seven Good Luck Gods.
The amulet is sold mounted on a card (b) which is printed with place-names, Amanohashidate and Monju-do, an image of the Seven Gook Luck Gods as well as added information on the amulet's association with them.
- Production date
- 2000
- Dimensions
-
Height: 9.50 centimetres (amulet a)
-
Length: 13 centimetres (card b)
-
Weight: 6 grammes (amulet a)
-
Weight: 2 grammes (card b)
-
Width: 2.60 centimetres (amulet a)
-
Width: 4.50 centimetres (card b)
-
Depth: 2.50 centimetres (amulet a)
- Curator's comments
- Omamori are amulets that are carried about the person. They are bought primarily in temples and shrines throughout Japan and usually carry its name as well as specifications on their protective function. They are most commonly made of little silk pouches that contain a piece of paper with a stamp or prayer and sometimes an image. However, it is considered bad luck to open them and many are sealed. The omamori in this collection have not been opened.
The function of an amulet is indicated in a variety of ways, through writing, symbolism and visual puns.
This amulet illustrates the point as 'nasu' in Japanese is both a verb meaning 'to shape', 'to constitute' and a noun referring to the egg-plant. The amulet thus protects and promotes personal projects. Its association with the Seven Good Luck Gods emphasises luck and prosperity.
The sound of bells wards off evil.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
2017-2018 2 Nov-8 Apr, BM Gallery 35, Living with gods
- Condition
- Good.
- Acquisition date
- 2001
- Acquisition notes
- Acquired for the BP Showcase Exhibition on 'Souvenirs in Contemporary Japan'. British Museum Department of Ethnography; field collection.
- Department
- Asia
- Registration number
- As2001,16.58.a-b