National Treasure Gallery: Illustrated Biography of Priest Ippen, Vol. 7
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Illustrated Biography of Priest Ippen, Vol. 7 (detail), By Priest En’i, Kamakura period, dated 1299 (National Treasure)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
August 29, 2017 (Tue) - September 24, 2017 (Sun)This illustrated scroll, which is part of a twelve-volume series, traces the life of Priest Ippen (1239–1289), who founded the Ji sect of Buddhism. Depicted are scenes of Ippen and his disciples on their journey to various parts of the country, chanting as part of their Buddhist training, or encouraging the general populace to become followers of the sect. While illustrated scrolls are in most cases painted on paper, this unusual work is painted on silk. The landscapes and the lives of people that Ippen would have witnessed during his journey are rendered in vivid detail.
On Exhibit:
Illustrated Biography of Priest Ippen, Vol. 7, By Priest En’i, Kamakura period, dated 1299 (National Treasure)