Volume 6 of the Lotus Sutra on Square Papers
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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 12
May 12, 2026 (Tue) - June 14, 2026 (Sun)In Japan during the 11th and 12th centuries, Buddhists came to believe that the world was in moral decline. This belief led to a surge in devotion to the Lotus Sutra, a sacred Buddhist text that teaches that all beings can achieve salvation. The sutra emphasizes that happiness is attained through belief in its teachings, as well as by reading, preaching, and transcribing its contents.Consequently, aristocrats of the time vied with one another to create the most magnificent copies of the sutra.
This copy is considered one of the finest in existence, both for its skillful calligraphy and its splendid decoration. The paper incorporates blue and purple fibers resembling drifting clouds and is dyed in various colors. Ruled lines in gold pigment run across the surface, which is further embellished with scattered gold and silver leaf. The margins are adorned with elegant images of willows, pines, and birds painted in gold and silver pigments. This rich ornamentation reflects the deep devotion with which the aristocracy practiced Buddhism during this time of moral crisis.
| 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 |