Talisman?

[Viper6924]

Hi guys!

 

Have a small artifact that a friend of mine picked up on a market in Japan. The old guy who sold it, said it was a talisman/amulet that the samurai placed inside their

armour for protection. Knowing my interest, my friend bought it. Didn´t cost much.

Well, that story would be great if true. But I guess it could have many different purposes. I would like to know more about the motif. The size is about 6 cm high and 3,5 cm wide. Very thin. Made from some kind of metal. Looks old but who knows

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

 

Jan

[Nobody]

I think that the motif is 阿弥陀三尊 – Amida sanzon.

Ref. http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/a/amidasanzon.htm

[Viper6924]

Thanks a lot for Your quick answer, Moriyama-san!

It´s so easy to make further research when You get some help in the beginning.

At first I thought the headdresses of the two flanking bodhisattvas looked a bit strange. Almost european.

But I found a reproduction thats almost spot on.

One difference is that the bodhisattvas on my talisman has what appears to be long dresses. Using a magnifying glass I can even make out

the five smaller figures around the Amidas head.

Starting to get the feel that this little market-find could actually have quite some years to it. I guess the matr is either bronze or copper.

Perhaps some samurai belonging to the Pure Land-sect had this as a lucky charm.

 

Thanks again, Moriyama-san!

 

Jan

[Baka Gaijin]

Good afternoon Jan,

 

Amulets and protective Talismans come in a variety of shapes sizes and materials depending upon period.

 

The overall term today is I believe Omamori 御守.

 

Cheers

[Viper6924]

Hello, Malcolm!

 

You right about the term "Omamori". I came across the term fairly quick when I started to make my humble research about my "artifact".

To place it in a specific period is close to impossible form pictures alone.

I took a few more. I´m using a macro-lens. You can see the "third eye" or chakra on the Amidas forehead. Almost impossible to spot just by looking at it.

Guess it´s cast in bronze, but not sure. At one time it was coated in some sort of gold color.

 

Jan