Tesshuji Temple: Lotus Sutra - Chapter on Similes and Parables

JAPAN, Shizuoka, Shimizu; Heian period

This 19-fascicle Lotus Sutra was removed from Anrakujuin Temple in Kyoto by warriors during the Jokyu War (1221) in Japan. It was subsequently offered to Tesshuji Temple, then Kunoji Temple in Shizuoka. The embellishments on the scroll are typical of late Heian (794–1185) sutras. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
The “Chapter on Similes and Parables” was transcribed by the late Heian period calligrapher Fujiwara no Sadanobu. Despite a hint of the regular script, the writing is delivered in a quick-paced running script style, characterized by short strokes, a lack of a stable character form, and several lagging trails of ink between strokes. Fujiwara may have been influenced by Yan Zhenqing’s style, as is deduced from the thick strokes that strengthen both the work and its legibility. The variation in the script, paired with the elaborate paper background and an unrestrained and hasty writing style, results in an overwhelming work with various points of interest.