Overview

A seated image of Senju Kannon (Sahasrabhuja) is carved in high relief at the inside of the incense case-shaped container. The images of Kudokuten (Sri-mahadevi), Baso-sen (Basu), a Kasha incense burner on a cloud, flying Yokobue, and Sho flutes are also carved in high relief. The main motifs are taken from the “Kokuzo-in”, the realm of Akasagarbha in the 'Genzu Taizo Mandala' (the Garbhakosa Mandala).
The body and the lid parts are both made of solid sandalwood. Smaller parts such as the Kannon's arms are also carved from the same wood, and the work was finished without coloring nor gold-leaf decoration. The fragrance of sandalwood must have filled the air when the case was opened for the worship of Kannon. This exquisite combination of visual image and aroma may been the intended effect of this object. The term “Otebako-butsu” (handbox Buddha) mentioned in an old document may have meant this kind of Buddhist image. Slender arms and legs of the Kannon indicate that this image was made in the early Kamakura Period.