Slow Walk Illustrated Guide
Zentsu-ji Tanjo-in Birthplace Complex (West Temple)
ichijiichibutsuhokekyo jobon
Commentary
This is the One Buddha Image for One Character of the Lotus Sutra (Chapter 1); it is a national treasure. It is a “Kyobutsu-Koshokyo” artefact that combines Buddhist teachings and images; each character of the sutra has a corresponding image of Buddha. This is an extremely rare and truly unique sutra scroll that cannot be found elsewhere. The characters are written in an elegant traditional Japanese printed style, and the images of the seated Buddha have been drawn using simple yet serene brushstrokes. The writing and composition style of the sutra suggests it was created during the middle of the Heian period. The opening section of the scroll features images of figures connected to Zentsu-ji, namely Shakyamuni Tathagata and Kobo Daishi (Kukai).
Designated Section
National treasure
Structure
Document written in monochrome and colored ink: dimensions 29.4cm in width x 2124.2cm in total length
Era
Heian Period
Address
Zentsu-ji Treasure Hall, 3-3-1 Zentsuji-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture
