Attributes and Implements

The objects held by Buddhist deities, their attributes (持物, jimotsu), are a vocabulary of meaning. Each stands for a power or a promise, and many belong to one figure in particular. Learning them is the quickest way to identify a statue, though attributes were often lost or replaced over time.

Jewels, flowers and vessels

Attribute Meaning Held by
Wish-granting jewel, hōju Fulfilment of wishes Jizō, Nyoirin, Kichijōten, Kokūzō
Lotus, renge Purity rising from the mud Kannon and many bodhisattvas
Water flask, suibyō The nectar of compassion Kannon, Jūichimen
Medicine jar, yakko Healing Yakushi
Pagoda, hōtō The relics and the teaching Bishamonten; also Miroku
Sutra scroll, kyōkan Wisdom and teaching Monju, patriarchs
Rosary, juzu Devotion and recitation Senju Kannon, Kūkai, monks

Weapons and ritual tools

Attribute Meaning Held by
Sword, ken Cutting through ignorance Fudō, Monju, Kokūzō, guardians
Rope, kensaku Binding the passions, rescuing beings Fudō, Fukūkenjaku Kannon
Vajra, kongōsho Indestructible wisdom Wisdom kings, Niō, Kūkai
Ringed staff, shakujō The pilgrim's path, warning small creatures Jizō, Hase-style Kannon
Wheel, hōrin Turning the teaching Nyoirin, wisdom kings
Bow and arrow Aiming at desire or ignorance Aizen, Senju Kannon, Marishiten
Halberd or spear Protection Bishamonten and the Four Kings

Objects of the lucky gods

A lute for Benzaiten; a mallet and sack for Daikoku; a rod and sea bream for Ebisu; a fan and sack for Hotei; a staff and scroll for Jurōjin.

Collecting notes

  • Attributes are the parts of a figure most often lost. The shape of the empty hand, and any hole or slot, tells you what it once held.
  • A replaced attribute should be described as such. Old replacements are acceptable; misleading ones are not.

In the collection

Browse the Buddhist Statues and Sacred Art collection, and see actual implements in altars and ritual objects.

See also

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