Description:

A JAPANESE HYAKUMANTO DARANI, BUDDHIST RELIEF PRINTED PRAYERS IN PAGODA, COMMISSIONED BY EMPRESS SHOTOKU, NARA PERIOD (710-784), AD 764-770,
washi paper and ink, considered one of the world's oldest examples of relief mass production printing, from an original printing of one million, the Buddhist text from the Vimalasuddhaprabhasa Mahadharani Sutra, housed in original hinoki cypress wood lathe turned pagoda reliquary; 14 1/4" x 2 1/4", pagoda height: 8 3/4", diameter: 4".

  • Provenance: THE PRINTING MUSEUM, Houston, Texas, proceeds to benefit THE PRINTING MUSEUM, Houston, Texas.
  • Notes: Empress Koken/Empress Shotoku (718-770), first reign August 19, 749 - September 7, 758, second reign November 6, 764 - August 28, 770. Commissioned in a series of one million for temples in Nara. Hyakumanto Dharani translating into "Dharani in One Million Pagoda", these small scrolls are considered one of the oldest relief printing in the world. Originally dedicated to major temples in her realm, the present lot is one of the 1,700 surviving copies. The project was intended as both an expression of salvation after expressing rebellion initiated by her cousin and an exercise in commissioning a mass state project supporting her legitimacy and authority in her court. Repeating the incantation by transcription or chanting them was thought to wash away sins, prolong life, escape Hell, and protect the Kingdom. The use of printing technology, a writing system, high-quality paper, and Buddhism were all recent imports from China via Korea. Literacy was limited to a small circle of courtiers. The large body of work was intended to support a strong Buddhist monarchical state.
  • Condition: Pagoda with apparent losses, traces of original gesso, printed material with very good old restorative repairs, some loss of the print, fading, toning and staining.

    Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."

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