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1908.82.401

Paper with printed inscription that incorporates three deities and a lotus flower into it. The writing has been cross hatched to look like textiles [SM 13/10/2008]

1908.82.401

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Collection type
Object
Description
Paper with printed inscription that incorporates three deities and a lotus flower into it. The writing has been cross hatched to look like textiles [SM 13/10/2008]
Geographical reference
Japan
Asia > Eastern Asia > Japan
Honshū Kansai [Kinki] Region Nara Prefecture OR Kyūshū Northern Kyushu Kumamoto Prefecture
Person
Field collector Basil Hall Chamberlain
PRM source Basil Hall Chamberlain
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1908
Date collected
By 1908
Acquisition information
Donated: 1908
Materials and processes
Material Paper Plant, Material Ink, Material Pigment, Process Printed
Dimensions
Width: max 163 mm, Length: max 575 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1908.82.401 Other numbers: Chamberlain no. 278
Research and responses

This object was examined along with others from the Chamberlain Collection by Sekiko Matsuzaki-Petitmengin in June 2003 and 15 October 2007. She placed this object within the category of Ofuda [SM 13/10/2008]

This object was examined by Professor Itaru Chijiwa during his research visit in November 2008. He believes that this object may be from the "Tanjoji" in Nara city, or from Kongoji in Kumamoto Prefecture [SM 05/12/2008]

The inscription on this object was transcribed and translated by Fusa McLynn who volunteered at the Museum in 2010 as:“Namiamudabutsu”, a phrase to pray for a mercy of Amida (Amitabha). “Chujo hime renshi”, Lotus yarn of Princess Chujo

(According to a legend, in the 8th century, there was a pious Buddhist court lady called Chujo-hime. She was promised to see Amida upon completing a mandala woven with yarn from lotus stalks. When she finished, Amida came and took her to heaven. The mandala has been kept in Taima-dera temple in Nara.) [El.B DDF Body Arts Project 2010/2011 13/10/2010]

Search terms: Religion, Writing, Prayer Object, Document, Amulet, Print, Inscription, Religious Object

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