Ceremonial Zelkova Bow with Maki-e Designs of Cranes and Plovers

【National Treasure】

Ancient Divine Treasure

Property of the Wakamiya Deity

Ceremonial Zelkova Bow with Maki-e Designs of Peonies

Ceremonial bows such as this one were modeled on the bows carried by the imperial palace guards, though they were made exclusively as ritual offerings. The bow has a zelkova-wood body, which is covered with multiple layers of black lacquer to protect it from humidity. Sections of the bow were once tightly wrapped with red cord.

The bow is adorned with intricate peony scrollwork in gold-sprinkled lacquer (maki-e). The peonies were rendered by applying lacquer to the negative space around the artist’s line work. When powdered gold was sprinkled on top and the excess brushed away, the outlines of peonies were revealed where there was no lacquer for the powder to adhere to.

Ceremonial Zelkova Bow with Maki-e Designs of Cranes and Plovers

According to tradition, this ceremonial bow belonged to Fujiwara no Yorinaga (1120–1156), scion of the family that helped found Kasugataisha Shrine. The bow has a zelkova-wood body, which is covered with multiple layers of black lacquer to protect it from humidity. Sections of the bow were once tightly wrapped with cord to reinforce the supple wood.

Maki-e motifs of plovers and cranes decorate the bow’s body. This pattern was achieved by applying lacquer to the negative space around the birds and sprinkling powdered gold on top. The excess powder was then brushed away, revealing the designs in silhouette against a field of gold. This design matches that of the Flat Quiver Made of Silver-Plated Rosewood and the Silver-Banded Tachi Sword with Kenukigata-Style Mounting, suggesting they once formed a set.

この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。