hand scroll with large blocks of text alternating with colorful images of people in buildings; and fantastic creatures

Illustrations of the Life and Deeds of the Grand Master of Mount Kōya, vol. 1, 17th century

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This handscroll illustrates various holy deeds and scenes from the life of the Buddhist monk Kūkai (also known by his posthumous name Kōbō Daishi, lit. “Grand Master Who Spread the Dharma”). Kūkai is credited as founder of the Shingon, or True Word, sect of tantric Buddhism, and late in life established a large Shingon temple complex at Mount Kōya in the rugged Kii Peninsula, south of the ancient capital of Nara.

Numerous six-, ten-, and twelve-scroll sets of handscrolls illustrating the life of Kūkai are extant. This printed and hand-colored ten-scroll edition is based on painted models dating to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

Details
Title
Illustrations of the Life and Deeds of the Grand Master of Mount Kōya, vol. 1
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.213.1
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 477
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

hand scroll with large blocks of text alternating with colorful images of people in buildings; and fantastic creatures