Attributed to Shinran (1173–1263) - Facsimile『高僧和讃』『浄土和讃』『正像末和讃』『正信念仏偈』全4冊揃 本願寺系仏教和本 - 2012

This is an exceptional complete set of four Buddhist chant books, consisting of:

Kōsō Wasan

Jōdo Wasan

Shōzōmatsu Wasan

Shōshin Nembutsu Ge

All four volumes are original Japanese woodblock-printed books (wahon) published in Tenmei 8 (1788), during the Edo period, and are associated with the Honganji (Jōdo Shinshū) tradition.

These works are fundamental devotional and doctrinal texts traditionally attributed to Shinran, and they hold great importance within Pure Land Buddhist practice and Japanese religious culture.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Both the books and the storage box are richly decorated with gold embellishment.
The covers display dense and refined gold patterns, creating a visually striking and highly ceremonial appearance. While it is not possible to determine whether the gold is pure, the brilliance and quantity of gold used clearly indicate that this was a luxury edition, produced for temple use or for a high-ranking patron.

The texts are printed using traditional woodblock printing, and all volumes are original Edo-period impressions, not later reprints.

Condition

Considering the publication date of 1788, the condition is remarkably well preserved.
All four volumes are complete, with stable bindings and clear woodblock impressions. There are signs of age consistent with Edo-period books, but no major losses or critical damage. The gilt surfaces of both the books and the box remain visually impressive.

Rarity & Significance

Complete sets of these four works, published in the Tenmei era and preserved together with a matching gilt storage box, are extremely rare on the market. Such elaborately decorated Buddhist books are seldom encountered outside of temple collections or long-established private holdings.

This set represents not only a religious text but also a highly refined example of Edo-period Buddhist book art, making it an outstanding acquisition for collectors of Japanese antiquarian books, Buddhist art, or Edo-period cultural artifacts.

Attributed to Shinran (1173–1263)
Number of pages
Approx. 20–30 leaves per volume (unpaginated), total 4 volumes

※Currently, we are unable to ship items to the United States. Thank you for your understanding.
※Due to the strike by Canada Post, we are currently unable to ship items to Canada.

Can't be shipped with other objects
You're not able to combine shipping if you buy more than one object from the same seller in this auction.

The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped only by Japan Post.
It usually takes about 3-4 weeks for delivery, depending on the destination and customs procedures.

Important notice for buyers in Italy:
Due to ongoing delays with the Italian postal service and customs, shipments to Italy may take one month or longer to arrive.
Please place a bid only if you understand and accept this extended delivery time.
Once shipped, delivery times are beyond the seller’s control.

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you by phone or email for clearance.
Please make sure you can respond promptly.
If you do not respond and the parcel is returned, reshipping will incur double shipping costs.

Important notice regarding bidding:
Please place a bid only if you fully intend to complete the purchase and make payment.
Non-paying bidders cause serious inconvenience and delays.
If payment is not made after multiple reminders from Catawiki, the order may be cancelled and handled according to Catawiki’s policies.

Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.