Ichiji Ichibutsu Hōkakei Jo-hin (Scroll of the Preface to the Lotus Sutra, One Character, One Buddha)

Basic Information

• Catalog ID: 201
• Item ID: 705
• Category: Calligraphy and Books
• Country: Japan
• Period: Heian Period (794–1185)
• Date designated: November 14, 1953
• Prefecture: Kagawa
• Location: Kagawa Prefecture
• Owner: Zentō-ji Temple

Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)

Overview

The Ichiji Ichibutsu Hōkakei Jo-hin is an extremely rare decorative scripture created during the Heian Period. Its most striking feature is that small Buddha statues are depicted arranged next to every single character of the Lotus Sutra text. It was passed down to Zentō-ji Temple, the main head temple in Kagawa Prefecture, which is known as the birthplace of Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. The scroll serves as a prime historical record demonstrating both the widespread popularity of Pure Land Buddhism (Jōdo shinkō) and the high level of artistic skill during that era. This specific piece represents the “Preface” (Jo-hin), which is from the first volume of the eight scrolls comprising the complete Lotus Sutra.

Historical Background

According to Zentō-ji Temple’s tradition, the scroll was written by Kōbō Daishi Kūkai (774–835) as a memorial for his mother, Tamayorigohime. However, based on its elegant calligraphy and style of Buddhist painting, scholars estimate that it was actually created during the mid-to-late Heian Period, around the 11th century. It belongs to the lineage of “decorative scriptures” (sōshoku-kyō), which were popular among the noble class of the Heian court as a means of accumulating merit. The work is considered one of the masterpieces where deep religious passion culminated in highly sophisticated artistic expression.

Features and Appeal

The greatest appeal of the Ichiji Ichibutsu Hōkakei Jo-hin lies in its original composition and meticulous detail.

• One Character, One Buddha Style: To the right side of each character in the scripture text, a small Buddha statue is painted on a lotus pedestal (rengeza) using delicate coloring. This reflects the philosophical idea that the written characters themselves are considered Buddhas, creating an extremely powerful visual composition.
• Meticulous Brushwork: Although the depicted Buddha statues are incredibly small—less than one centimeter—the artists carefully rendered their serene expressions and the lines of their robes. This allows us to confirm the advanced technical skill of the Buddhist painters (e-butsushi) of that period.
• Fusion of Faith and Art: The piece does more than simply transcribe scripture. By placing the characters alongside the Buddha statues, it embodies a highly sophisticated religious practice where the act of copying the text itself becomes a ritual offering (kuyō).
• Heian Elegance: The gentle calligraphy and delicate coloring of the Buddha figures possess a refined elegance unique to the Heian Period. This inherent dignity gives the scroll the stature worthy of being designated a National Treasure.