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Part of: Living Images (22 resources ), ASIAN 244-Diversities of Writing in Japan (22 resources )
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Living Images

Copyright
All Rights Reserved
Created by
Robert Jerome Morrissey
Last Updated
May 25, 2022 1:38 p.m.

22 Items in this Learning Collection
Tantric icon in portable case

Collection Object
Bodhisattva Mañjusri (J. Monju Bosatsu), seated on a lion
This icon painting depicts the bodhisattva Monju seated cross-legged on lotus on top of a lion. The figure holds a vajra sword, and is dressed in flowing robes with golden jewelry. Two circular mandorlas surround the figure. 
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Buddha seated in dhyana mudra, and flanked by two stupas
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Chinese, Guanyin) with a willow branch and vase
A portable icon featuring Guanyin. She is standing in a walking position and is carrying a willow branch and vase.
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting a Bodhisattva in Amitabha's (Chinese. Amitofou's) Western Paradise, giving rebirth to new souls from lotus buds
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Buddha Amitâbha (Chinese, Amitofou) preaching in his Western Paradise
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene..
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (Ch. Dizang), in Amitabha's Western Paradise
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
Suiten kyo (Sutra of Varuna, Deity of the Waters)
This is a long horizontal scroll with several calligraphic inscriptions on the right portion of the paper. On the left are 3 figural scenes. The one closest to the writing shows a male figure wearing a large headdress seated in the lotus position within a circle. Next there is a figure with four arms who stands on the back of a dragon. Two people stand on either side- one a short blue-skinned man who holds a bowl and the other a smaller figure who holds a brush and paper. The third scene shows a male figure, seated in the lotus position, who holds a sword, a wheel, a brush and paper in his four hands.
Collection Object
Sutra Scroll Container with Cover

Collection Object
Bodhisattva Mañjusri (J. Monju Bosatsu) seated on a lion
This depiction of Monju (Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī), the bodhisattva of wisdom, shows him seated on his typical lion mount, holding a vajra sword and lotus, upon which rests a sutra scroll. While most of the pigments have deteriorated with age, the brightly colored lotus and dappled skin of the lion suggest the original vibrant colors of the image. 
Collection Object
Bodhisattva (Jokaisho Bosatsu): esoteric Buddhist iconographic drawing
An illustration of the bodhisattva Jokaishō, the divine figure is seated on a lotus blossom venerating a reliquary. The figure sits cross-legged on a red lotus blossom, while beneath the figure is a blue sutra box on a green and yellow lotus. The image is depicted with largely even "iron-wire" lines typical of Heian period Buddhist painting. 
Collection Object
The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kamakura
The daibutsu, or giant buddha, statue takes up the bulk of the pictorial space. Curving upwards and towards the statue is a large pine. At the feet of the green hued daibutsu statue are three women of different generations: a young girl, an adult woman, and an elderly woman. Although a few clouds hover in the sky, the sun appears to be shining brightly, casting some shadows of nearby trees into the picture.
Collection Object
Buddha Asyura (Ashura, Kôfukuji, Nara)

Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: The Thunder God Fishing for His Drum
This painting portrays the Thunder God (Raijin), a powerful and ferocious figure, is fishing for his drum, carelessly dropped in the ocean.
Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Demon soliciting alms (Oni no nembutsu)
In this painting, a mischievous demon is depicted in priest’s garb begging for alms.
Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Benkei with a Halberd (Naginata Benkei)
This painting portrays Saito Musashibo Benkei holding a halberd. Benkei was a Japanese warrior monk, a popular subject of Japanese folklore. Here the painting is accompanied by text, which became common on images with moralistic messages poking fun at society.
Collection Object
Rubbing of a Folk Carving: Gozanze Myôô, mounted on a Bull

Collection Object
Rubbing of a Folk Buddhist Carving of a Buddhist Guardian King (a Lokapala or one of the four Shitennô)

Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Warrior Monk of Mii Temple Tossing Armor
There is a warrior monk in the middle of the page holding black armor above his head, getting ready to toss it. There are a couple lines of writing above his head and a signature and two seals in the bottom right corner of the hanging scroll.
Collection Object
Demon Soliticing Contributions
This is a hanging scroll painted with ink and color on paper with the main subject of a demon or&nbsp;<em>oni</em>. The demon has horns in its head and stands as if in motion. On its front leg closest to the viewer is a piece of paper with writing. Above its head is an inscription in four lines descending in order from the upper right. On the bottom right corner is another inscription followed by two red seals.&nbsp;
Collection Object
Jizo Bosatsu (?)

Collection Object
The Bodhisattva Jizô with a demon and children
This painting depicts the bodhisattva Jizō standing by the bank of a river surrounded by children.  The majority of these are seated on the ground, creating small piles of rocks, but a few pull on the divinity’s robes. At a distance is a red demonic figure (oni) leaning on a staff with his arm outstretched over the water. 
Collection Object
ASIAN 244-Diversities of Writing in Japan

A chance to think through how the visual impact of text, image, and text with image.

Copyright
All Rights Reserved
Created by
Erin Leigh Brightwell
Last Updated
May 25, 2022 1:38 p.m.

24 Items in this Learning Collection
Mirror

Collection Object
Mirror

Collection Object
Mirror

Collection Object
Calligraphy sample in Seal Script

Collection Object
Calligraphy: "Bird" in seal script, plus two lines
This is a hanging scroll of calligraphy. On the uppermost section is one large character. Underneath it is two lines. There are three different sized of fonts on this scroll, the uppermost character is the largest. On the right, there are four characters of the medium-sized font. On the left are two or three characters (it is difficult to read) of the medium writing followed by the smallest size of writing directly below. There is a total of three red seals. One on the upper right, on the corner of the largest character, and two on the bottom left next to the small font line.
Collection Object
Suiten kyo (Sutra of Varuna, Deity of the Waters)
This is a long horizontal scroll with several calligraphic inscriptions on the right portion of the paper. On the left are 3 figural scenes. The one closest to the writing shows a male figure wearing a large headdress seated in the lotus position within a circle. Next there is a figure with four arms who stands on the back of a dragon. Two people stand on either side- one a short blue-skinned man who holds a bowl and the other a smaller figure who holds a brush and paper. The third scene shows a male figure, seated in the lotus position, who holds a sword, a wheel, a brush and paper in his four hands.
Collection Object
Sutra Fragment, Calligraphy in Block Script
An excerpt from the Lotus Sutra (Japanese: Myōhō Renge Kyō), this sutra uses gold pigment on indigo dyed paper.
Collection Object
Sutra Scroll Container with Cover

Collection Object
Thirty-six Immortal Poets: Taira no Kanemori
A male figure is sitting sideways, his face looking toward the front right. He wears a long black cap, a red under-kimono, a grayish-color jacket with geometric patterns, and right gray color pantaloons. He holds a fan, which is peeking from the right sleeve. The painting is accompanied by calligraphy on the right side of the figure. The painting is mounted on gold brocade with strips of purple and gold brocade on top and bottom of the painting.
Collection Object
Camel
This double-leaf print depicts two camels and accompanying foreign trainers or performers in fringed clothing, with ballooning pants and dark boots. Some of the performers play instruments, while others tend to the camels. Above both pages is writing by calligrapher Santô Kyôden describing the camels and their tour of Japan around 1821.
Collection Object
Camel
This double-leaf print depicts two camels and accompanying foreign trainers or performers in fringed clothing, with ballooning pants and dark boots. Some of the performers play instruments, while others tend to the camels. Above both pages is writing by calligrapher Santô Kyôden describing the camels and their tour of Japan around 1821.
Collection Object
Sunrise at Benten Shrine, Suzaki Cape
Two geisha (itinerant musicians) are shown strolling in the countryside, with the roof of Benten Shintô shrine in the distance. The backdrop is the rising sun—the give-away that this is a New Year’s print—seen over distant mountains and a calm bay. One woman stoops to empty the ashes from her pipe, while the other draws her kimono closely about her. A poem lies just above the rising sun in the top left register of the morning sky.
Collection Object
Ogura-sen Hyakunin Isshu: Murasaki Shikibu (Kano'en Gundaiyu? and Isamu Rokichirô?, two Samurai of Aizu)
According to the colophon, the figures depicted in the lower part of the print are two samurai of Aizu; the large figure in the front is Isamu Sôkichirô, who has challenged the figure in the rear, Rokuya Ongun Taiyu, to a vendetta.
Collection Object
Seated Woman
A woman in kimono sits with her sleeve to her mouth. The kimono is decorated with fall leaves, and she sits behind lacquwe tea ware. Above her are crest-like decorations in blue, backgrounding the open pages of a book.
Collection Object
Shuten Dôji; 1/3 of triptych; see 1985/1.178B

Collection Object
Shuten Dôji; 1/3 of triptych; see also 1985/178A

Collection Object
Memorial portrait of Nakamura Utaemon [IV]; dated Ka'ei 5/2/17

Collection Object
Moonlight and calligraphy
This is a painting of a fan. As for the details on the fan, on the left side, there is a drawing of the full moon partly&nbsp;hidden behind clouds. On the right side is writing in calligraphy. There is another line of calligraphy&nbsp;father&nbsp;to the left of the moon. Some of the writing is in red.
Collection Object
Portrait of the Poet 'Basho'
This portrait of the poet Matsuo Bashō is constructed with seemingly effortless caligraphic lines, and surrounded by lines from one of the poet's works. The figure sits looking out at the viewer, beside his hat and a square container with a handle. The artist's seal is placed to the left of the figure, visually recalling the objects beside the poet on his other side. 
Collection Object
Broom, Poems, and Poets
&quot;On&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;side&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;drawing&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;straw&nbsp;broom&nbsp;accompanied&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;single&nbsp;line&nbsp;of&nbsp;verse that reads,<br /> Ippatsu ichiboku&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;One&nbsp;stroke, one&nbsp;line&nbsp;<br /> Soha&nbsp;zokujin&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sweeps&nbsp;away worldly&nbsp;dust.<br /> In&nbsp;a&nbsp;Zen&nbsp;fashion&nbsp;the&nbsp;poem&nbsp;suggests&nbsp;that&nbsp;one&nbsp;line&nbsp;of&nbsp;ink&nbsp;will clear&nbsp;away&nbsp;the&nbsp;confusion&nbsp;of&nbsp;everyday&nbsp;life. The&nbsp;sweeping action&nbsp;is&nbsp;materialized&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;sketch&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;broom.<br /> The&nbsp;next&nbsp;poem&nbsp;plays&nbsp;upon&nbsp;the&nbsp;sweeping&nbsp;action mentioned&nbsp;above,<br /> Yukuharu&nbsp;no &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Departing&nbsp;Spring&#39;s<br /> Shiripeta&nbsp;harau&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Buttocks&nbsp;are&nbsp;brushed
Collection Object
Beauty (Taifu)
A colored image of a single woman at the center of the scroll. She appears to be seated though there is nothing beneath her. Her kimono is grey with green grass designs and her under kimono is white. Her obi is a red and green stylized design. Above her head is an inscription.
Collection Object
Calligraphy: Watching Ducks on a Spring Morning
In this monumental scroll, Nukina Kaioku has brushed a Chinese poem of his own composition, on the enduring theme of nature as refreshment for the spirit. Note his masterful variation of thick and thin strokes, wet and dry ink, stately and rapid movement.<br />The verses may be tentatively rendered into English as follows:<br /> Mandarin ducks enjoy the fresh water; their graceful forms glow as they pass through channels in the reeds.<br /> Pushing beyond the thickets [to the open pond], they call to one another again and again in the dawn.<br /> A crimson mist breaks through gaps in the glade, its glow warming hidden nests.<br /> Waking up with nothing to do, [I came here] to playfully row among the spring waves.
Collection Object
Calligraphy
A long hanging scroll with stamps in the top right and middle left of the scroll. The five lines of characters are very shaky.
Collection Object
And Naturally Ripens into Fruit
Hanging scroll with five large calligraphic kanji characters. The lower right contains further text and orangish read seals. The background brocade on which it is mounted is green and gold and has a floral design. Two strips of other material lie across the top and bottom of the white material on which teh calligraphy is painted. These strips also have a floral design and a light gold/yellow background.
Collection Object
22 Items in this Learning Collection
Tantric icon in portable case

Collection Object
Bodhisattva Mañjusri (J. Monju Bosatsu), seated on a lion
This icon painting depicts the bodhisattva Monju seated cross-legged on lotus on top of a lion. The figure holds a vajra sword, and is dressed in flowing robes with golden jewelry. Two circular mandorlas surround the figure. 
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Buddha seated in dhyana mudra, and flanked by two stupas
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Chinese, Guanyin) with a willow branch and vase
A portable icon featuring Guanyin. She is standing in a walking position and is carrying a willow branch and vase.
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting a Bodhisattva in Amitabha's (Chinese. Amitofou's) Western Paradise, giving rebirth to new souls from lotus buds
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Buddha Amitâbha (Chinese, Amitofou) preaching in his Western Paradise
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene..
Collection Object
A Votive plaque depicting the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (Ch. Dizang), in Amitabha's Western Paradise
A small, thin, molded clay plaque with a bas-relief scene.
Collection Object
Suiten kyo (Sutra of Varuna, Deity of the Waters)
This is a long horizontal scroll with several calligraphic inscriptions on the right portion of the paper. On the left are 3 figural scenes. The one closest to the writing shows a male figure wearing a large headdress seated in the lotus position within a circle. Next there is a figure with four arms who stands on the back of a dragon. Two people stand on either side- one a short blue-skinned man who holds a bowl and the other a smaller figure who holds a brush and paper. The third scene shows a male figure, seated in the lotus position, who holds a sword, a wheel, a brush and paper in his four hands.
Collection Object
Sutra Scroll Container with Cover

Collection Object
Bodhisattva Mañjusri (J. Monju Bosatsu) seated on a lion
This depiction of Monju (Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī), the bodhisattva of wisdom, shows him seated on his typical lion mount, holding a vajra sword and lotus, upon which rests a sutra scroll. While most of the pigments have deteriorated with age, the brightly colored lotus and dappled skin of the lion suggest the original vibrant colors of the image. 
Collection Object
Bodhisattva (Jokaisho Bosatsu): esoteric Buddhist iconographic drawing
An illustration of the bodhisattva Jokaishō, the divine figure is seated on a lotus blossom venerating a reliquary. The figure sits cross-legged on a red lotus blossom, while beneath the figure is a blue sutra box on a green and yellow lotus. The image is depicted with largely even "iron-wire" lines typical of Heian period Buddhist painting. 
Collection Object
The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kamakura
The daibutsu, or giant buddha, statue takes up the bulk of the pictorial space. Curving upwards and towards the statue is a large pine. At the feet of the green hued daibutsu statue are three women of different generations: a young girl, an adult woman, and an elderly woman. Although a few clouds hover in the sky, the sun appears to be shining brightly, casting some shadows of nearby trees into the picture.
Collection Object
Buddha Asyura (Ashura, Kôfukuji, Nara)

Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: The Thunder God Fishing for His Drum
This painting portrays the Thunder God (Raijin), a powerful and ferocious figure, is fishing for his drum, carelessly dropped in the ocean.
Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Demon soliciting alms (Oni no nembutsu)
In this painting, a mischievous demon is depicted in priest’s garb begging for alms.
Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Benkei with a Halberd (Naginata Benkei)
This painting portrays Saito Musashibo Benkei holding a halberd. Benkei was a Japanese warrior monk, a popular subject of Japanese folklore. Here the painting is accompanied by text, which became common on images with moralistic messages poking fun at society.
Collection Object
Rubbing of a Folk Carving: Gozanze Myôô, mounted on a Bull

Collection Object
Rubbing of a Folk Buddhist Carving of a Buddhist Guardian King (a Lokapala or one of the four Shitennô)

Collection Object
Ôtsu-e: Warrior Monk of Mii Temple Tossing Armor
There is a warrior monk in the middle of the page holding black armor above his head, getting ready to toss it. There are a couple lines of writing above his head and a signature and two seals in the bottom right corner of the hanging scroll.
Collection Object
Demon Soliticing Contributions
This is a hanging scroll painted with ink and color on paper with the main subject of a demon or&nbsp;<em>oni</em>. The demon has horns in its head and stands as if in motion. On its front leg closest to the viewer is a piece of paper with writing. Above its head is an inscription in four lines descending in order from the upper right. On the bottom right corner is another inscription followed by two red seals.&nbsp;
Collection Object
Jizo Bosatsu (?)

Collection Object
The Bodhisattva Jizô with a demon and children
This painting depicts the bodhisattva Jizō standing by the bank of a river surrounded by children.  The majority of these are seated on the ground, creating small piles of rocks, but a few pull on the divinity’s robes. At a distance is a red demonic figure (oni) leaning on a staff with his arm outstretched over the water. 
Collection Object

Copyright
All Rights Reserved ()

Sutra Scroll Container with Cover

Accession Number
1983/2.248A&B

Title
Sutra Scroll Container with Cover

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
late 12th century

Medium & Support
stoneware with gray (?) glaze

Dimensions
11 1/4 in. x 5 3/4 in. x 5 3/4 in. ( 28.58 cm x 14.61 cm x 14.61 cm )

Credit Line
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund

Label copy
Sutra scroll container with cover
Japan
Heian period (794–1185)
Late 12th century
Stoneware with glaze
Museum purchase made possible by the
Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund,
1983/2.248A&B
In Japan, the year 1052 was believed to be the beginning of mappō,
the decline of the Age of Dharma (the Buddhist teachings). Japanese
Buddhist practitioners believed that after this point no one could attain
enlightenment and that morality would crumble over the next 10,000
years. In this period, the practice of burying sutras to preserve Buddhist
teachings for the future increased. This practice also allowed the patron
to build merit in the hope of a better rebirth. This relatively simple sutra
container would have been buried on temple grounds or at a sacred site.
Mountains were a common choice for such burials as they were believed
to be closer to Buddhist paradises, or Pure Lands of Buddhas.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
scroll container

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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3 Related Resources

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted