Enryakuji Temple: Records of the Tendai School

JAPAN, Shiga, Otsu; Heian period

This scroll, comprised of six pieces of calligraphy, was written by Master Saicho during the early 9th century in Japan. Saicho was the founder of the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism, and this document records his struggle and efforts to establish the school. The piece contains various information regarding rules and regulations, in addition to other requirements such as the number of monks submitted for the imperial court’s approval in order to practice. This historical document was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
Master Saicho was a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhism, as well as calligraphy history. The composition of this calligraphic work is commodious. Brushstrokes are light yet robust and unpretentious, and there is strong emphasis in the overall visual clarity of the work. The style could be inspired by the Preface to Sagely Teachings in Wang Xizhi’s Calligraphy, but replacing the bold brushstrokes with lighter ones as Saicho’s alternative to Wang’s style.