Lotus Sutra, Chapter 2; no colophon, n.d. [1667]; kansubon, 1 vol. (frontispiece 27.8 x 28.7cm., text 27.8 x 596.7cm.), illustration painted in ink, color and gold on purple paper, manuscript in gold ink on gold and silver-decorated dark blue paper, white brocade cover woven with title and stylized flowering plants, titled Hobenbon

細節
Lotus Sutra, Chapter 2; no colophon, n.d. [1667]; kansubon, 1 vol. (frontispiece 27.8 x 28.7cm., text 27.8 x 596.7cm.), illustration painted in ink, color and gold on purple paper, manuscript in gold ink on gold and silver-decorated dark blue paper, white brocade cover woven with title and stylized flowering plants, titled Hobenbon

Contents: frontispiece and 14 sheets mounted as a handscroll

拍品專文

For a full discussion of this Lotus Sutra dedicated in 1667 see lot 338. The dedication scroll lists the name of the priest Zen Daisojo Joson of the Emmanin as the donor of this chapter.

Each of the twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra as well as the four additional sutras in this set is transcribed in one scroll. Each scroll of the Lotus Sutra begins with a detailed frontispiece miniature that shows the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, expounding the Law. Also included are a selection of episodes from the text, often parables.

In Chapter 2 (Hobenbon, or Expedients) the Buddha, seated on a lotus throne, addresses Shariputra, who kneels in front of him. In the lower right corner are four groups of boys who demonstrate easy ways to attain enlightenment. They are making and worshipping a picture of the Buddha (far right), carving an image of the Buddha, making a stupa, and reading or transcribing a sutra.