colorful images of monks and laypeople in and around shrines, and boats; dragon at end; interspersed with blocks of text; woodblock printed and hand tinted

Illustrations of the Life and Deeds of the Grand Master of Mount Kōya, vol. 2, 17th century

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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. 2
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.213.2
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 477
Curator Approved

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colorful images of monks and laypeople in and around shrines, and boats; dragon at end; interspersed with blocks of text; woodblock printed and hand tinted