Volume 7 of The Biography of the Traveling Preacher Ippen
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Volume 7 of The Biography of the Traveling Preacher Ippen
By Monk En’I, Eye of the Dharma, Kamakura period, 1299 (National Treasure)UpcomingJapanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 12
April 14, 2026 (Tue) - May 10, 2026 (Sun)Buddhism was initially practiced by Japan’s upper classes and was too demanding for everyday people. Ippen (1239–1289) was a monk who traveled tirelessly throughout the provinces, teaching the faith to common men, women, and children. He claimed that chanting the name of Buddha Amida would guarantee salvation, a straightforward teaching that made Buddhism accessible to everyone.
Read from right to left, this work belongs to a series of picture scrolls illustrating Ippen’s life and accomplishments. It documents his travels and depicts a devotional practice that he popularized, in which people danced while chanting praise to Buddha Amida.
These images are painted on silk, a luxury material rarely used for picture scrolls. They are rendered from a bird’s-eye view, but the artist gave each person a unique facial expression, distinct clothing, and a sense of movement. Landscapes and scenes of everyday life are also shown in detail, providing numerous insights into ancient Japan.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Volume 7 of The Biography of the Traveling Preacher Ippen | By Monk En’I, Eye of the Dharma | Kamakura period, 1299 | A-10944 |