Todaiji Temple: Frontispieces of the Avatamsaka Sutra

JAPAN, Nara; Kamakura period

These frontispieces are part of a transcribed copy of the Avatamsaka Sutra given as a ceremonial offering during the inauguration of the restored Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple in 1195. All of the monastics who attended the ceremony took part in the transcription of the sutra. The cover of each fascicle is decorated with circular flower and scrolling leaf patterns. The frontispieces illustrate scenes or metaphors from the sutra. They are listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
On the left side of each frontispiece, there is an inscription stating the fascicle number and summarizing the content. On the frontispiece of Fascicle 37, the sun beams down radiant light, illuminating every corner of a landscape. This symbolizes the radiant wisdom possessed by the Bodhisattvas or the omnipresent light of Vairocana Buddha described in the sutra. The frontispiece of Fascicle 7 shows the Buddha predicting the enlightenment of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Both figures stand upon a trail of clouds above a natural landscape. On the frontispieces of Fascicles 1 and 65, Sudhana is shown visiting spiritual mentors. The style of the illustrations, composed of fine lines and occasional patches of gold against a dark indigo background, was considered innovative during the Kamakura period (1185–1333).