Volume 6 of the Lotus Sutra on Square Papers
-
Volume 6 of the Lotus Sutra on Square Papers (detail), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Kongōbuji Temple ,Wakayama)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
July 4, 2023 (Tue) - July 30, 2023 (Sun)On display is a section of the Lotus Sutra, a writing that many believe contains the Buddha’s ultimate teachings. The Lotus Sutra was worshiped by the noblemen and noblewomen of Japan’s Heian period (794–1192), who copied the writing countless times onto decorated paper. They believed this process was an “act of merit” that would lead to good fortune, both in this life and the next.
This copy of the Lotus Sutra is written between vertical gold lines, which served as guides. The background is decorated with patterns in gold, silver, and green mineral pigment, and with pieces of gold and silver foil. This ornamentation and the delicate calligraphy make this one of the finest “decorated Buddhist writings” of its time.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Volume 6 of the "Lotus Sutra" on Square Papers | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Kongōbuji Temple ,Wakayama |