Textiles

Triangular Head of an Embroidered Banner

  • Japan Nara period, 8th century
  • Silk
  • h: 21.9cm w: 37.1cm
  • [70011]

A bantō, or banner head is the top section of a banner used both in and outside Buddhist temple buildings. This banner head was used for the first anniversary of the death of Emperor Shōmu held at Tōdai-ji in 767.