Container for an alms bowl 

This extremely rare metal container was designed to hold an alms bowl, like the ones used by monks for their daily rounds when they are begging for their food. The circular sections embossed in bas relief are divided by beaded borders. The inner circle of the top of the lid is decorated with a dragon. A meandering band separates it from a second panel that features two pairs of dragons facing each other. The following section shows the “Eight Auspicious Symbols”: wheel, parasol, banner, vase, pair of fish, lotus flower, conch shell, and endless knot. This motive is mirrored on the top section of the lower part of the container. Further down, animals are forming a circular band: two tigers, two elephants, two deer, one lion and one dog. The bottom section of the container is without any decoration.

This precious container must have belonged to an important teacher, whose identity has not been recorded.