Ritual Scepter (Shaku)

牙笏

At a glance — Art Object · Nara period, 8th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category: Art Objects
Period: Nara period, 8th century
Date: 701–800
Held by: Tokyo National Museum
Location: Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID: cobas-117743

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Same period: Nara art objects →
At this museum: All 1632 works here →

A shaku is a thin, elongated tablet held by court officials during formal ceremonies to maintain proper decorum and dignity. Although this piece is identified as an ivory scepter, it is actually made of animal bone, crafted to resemble the ivory scepters permitted only to high-ranking individuals. It is traditionally said to have been used by Prince Shōtoku (574–622).

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財), Government of Japan
Catalogue ID: cobas-117743 (permanent)
Official record: Japan Search — jpsearch.go.jp/item/cobas-117743
Holder's collection: ColBase — Tokyo National Museum
Photograph: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0. CC BY 4.0 licence

Cite this page: “Ritual Scepter (Shaku)（牙笏）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-117743. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/ritual-scepter-shaku/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.

Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)