Amitabha Sutra and Lotus Sutra

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

A postscript at the end of this accordion-fold manuscript dates the work to the year 1294. Each fold of this manuscript measures 30.5 cm high and 11 cm wide. The Amitabha Sutra is an important sutra of the Pure Land school. It describes the stateliness of the Western Pure Land and how a person who is dedicated to Amitabha Buddha can be reborn therein. The Lotus Sutra combines teachings from the Mahayana and Hinayana schools and conveys the idea that all sentient beings possess the power to attain enlightenment.
The manuscript served as an offering of blessings to the royal family of the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). Historical documents indicate that the Goryeo dynasty royals were not only active in organizing sutra transcriptions, but were particularly fond of using gold and silver inks in the transcriptions. Their penchant for splendor is evinced by the silver characters, in addition to the gold headings and drawing of the Buddha seen on this manuscript. The calligraphy is even and balanced, and displays a high level of reverence for the subject matter.