Biography of Master Ippen

JAPAN; Kamakura period

This set of painted scrolls known as Ippen Hijiri-e or Ippen Shonin Emaki was created to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Ippen, a Japanese monk and wandering teacher who rejected all possessions and emphasized the constant recitation of Amitabha’s name as the path to enlightenment. The set is comprised of 12 scrolls painted with 48 scenes. Scroll 7 is kept in the Tokyo National Museum, while the rest are stored in Kankikoji Temple in Kyoto and Shojokoji Temple in Kanagawa. The set was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
The illustrations depict the life of Ippen from his birth, through his wanderings and teaching activities, to his death. The accompanying texts were edited by his disciple Shokai. The figures in the images are relatively small yet realistic and eye catching. Masses of people are vividly depicted within scenes of Japanese towns and countryside. The images were painted using line drawings and wash. Pastel shades of green are used to color the landscapes, common in Japanese painting.
Scroll 7 illustrates Ippen propagating the Dharma from Omi (present day Shiga) to Rakusai (present day Kyoto). Ippen is shown leading the masses in drumming, dancing, and reciting Amitabha’s name. The large crowd of people reflects the popularity of Ippen’s teachings during his lifetime.