Bear Meadow Hossu-Click to see larger
Bear
Meadow Hossu-Click to see larger
The seed pod
of the lotus is very dramatic and quite distinctive.
Consisting of a broad round husk on a strong but shrivelled stalk,
the pod's upper surface carries a collection of pits, each pit
containing
a small, round seed about the size of a child's marble.
The
lotus seed pod is an obvious symbol
for the nurturing and spreading of the Dharma,
and it became the design basis for the Bear Meadow rendition
of the Zen Buddhist teacher's hossu.
Details
The stalk is an eight-sided shaft
which is carved to a flare at the
head, representing the pod. The
flare is treated off-handedly,
asymmetrically, to recall the
vagaries of the dried stalk.
The head carries the horsehair
bindings. These bindings are
whipped to the hair bundle,
helping to stabilize them and
allow disassembly for repairs.
The bindings are terminated in
miniature turk's heads, a traditional
decorative knot beloved by sailors.
There are eight bundles, and
a larger central bundle.
At the tail end, there is a very slight
flare--just enough to keep the hossu
from flying out of hand, should you
get over-enthused. The cord is attached
to the finial ring and terminated
at two jade rings and finial tassels.
Finally, the hossu is furnished with a
cover. Currently we are using a small
supply of gorgeous gold/red silk. The
closure is by another cord, again
terminated on semi-precious stone
rings with tassels.
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