Edo Period (1600-1868)

18th-century Buddhist kakemono scroll, very rare in this state of preservation, dating to 1770 (255 years ago), Meiwa era, illustrating the Buddha Amoghasiddhi (Fuku Joju Nyorai).

Artist and date: TOREI and 1770.

The inscription mentions TOREI as the one who saluted and praised (haisan) the work.

TOREI ENJI (1721-1792) was an influential Japanese Zen monk of the Rinzai school, and a disciple of the famous HAKUIN EKAKU.

Schematic representation of a Buddhist mandala, probably linked to Shingon or Tendai (Japanese esoteric Buddhist schools), surrounded by the 16 Celestial Kings (16 Immortals).

Rikishi and benevolent gods (protective guardians).

Monks and subdued demons (indicating the universal power of the Dharma).

The kakemono represents the Mandala of the Court of Perfect Fulfillment (joju-kaioge), a section of the Diamond World (Kongo-kai Mandara).

The Meiwa era (in Japanese: 明和) is one of Japan’s eras (nengō, literally “the name of the year”) following the Hōreki era and preceding the An’ei era. It spans from June 1764 to November 1772. The reigning emperors were Go-Sakuramachi-tennō and Go-Momozono-tennō.

Height 110 cm and width 32 cm.

Silk, paper, aging (stains, creases) see photos.