Gilt-Bronze Finial of a Monk’s Staff (National Treasure)

Cast copper with gilding · China, Tang dynasty · 8th century · Zentsūji, Kagawa

The sound of Tang China carried across the sea—tradition says Huiguo placed this staff finial in Kūkai’s hands.

Exhibition: Celebrating 1250 Years Since the Birth of the Great Master Kūkai: Kūkai and the Treasures of Shingon Buddhism — Tokyo National Museum · 2026-07-14 – 2026-09-06