Artwork Name: Niga-hakudō-zu (二河白道图) Artist: Anonymous Technique Type: Woodblock Print Artist’s Signature Status: No signature on the plate Paper Size: 44 × 52 cm (17.3 × 20.5 in) Image Size: 39.5 × 47.5 cm (15.6 × 18.7 in) Paper Material: Washi This polychrome woodblock print is a religious instructional artwork of Japan’s Jōdo-shū Buddhism (净土宗). It was published in 1940 (the 15th year of the Shōwa era) by Hōshinkai Office (法親會事務所), whose address is Higashi-iri, Tsuchiya-chō, Shitazumaki-chō, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto City (京都市上京區下椹木町土屋町東入). Through vivid visual language, it expounds the core Buddhist doctrines of “the sea of birth and death” and “salvation through Amitābha Buddha’s power”. Classified as a Buddhist moralizing print (佛教劝善版画), it inherits the narrative traditions of medieval emakimono (绘卷，picture scrolls) and incorporates the polychrome woodblock printing techniques of ukiyo-e (浮世绘). Widely circulated among the public, it helps believers comprehend and strengthen their faith in rebirth in the Pure Land through Buddha-recitation. Core Visual Symbols Left “River of Fire” (火河): Blazing flames symbolize afflictions and evil karma such as greed, anger and ignorance, representing the sufferings and temptations that all living beings endure in the mortal world. Right “River of Water” (水河): Turbulent waves symbolize the fear and impermanence of samsāra (the cycle of birth and death), standing for the disasters and endless cycle of existence in life. Central “White Path” (白道): A narrow white trail connecting the sea of misery to the Pure Land, representing the saving power of Amitābha Buddha. It is the only path for all living beings to transcend birth and death and attain rebirth in the Pure Land. Character and Scene Analysis Amitābha Buddha (Upper Part): Standing above the clouds, he guides the travelers on the White Path with golden threads (or rays of light), symbolizing the Buddha’s compassionate protection that never abandons any living being. Traveler on the White Path (Center): A monk dressed in white walking along the White Path, representing practitioners who recite the Buddha’s name and rely on the Buddha’s power to cross the sea of birth and death. Obstacles and Threats (Lower Part): Warriors, beasts (tigers, snakes, dogs) and pursuers, symbolizing worldly troubles, demonic obstacles and temptations that try to stop the traveler from moving forward. Hōnen Shōnin (Right Side): The image of a high monk standing on the shore, who is the incarnation of Hōnen Shōnin, the founder of Japan’s Jōdo-shū Buddhism. He represents the spiritual guide who leads all living beings onto the White Path. Text and Background The inscription in the upper right corner is quoted from the Visualization Sutra (《观无量寿经》): “O virtuous one, resolutely follow this path and you shall face no mortal danger; to stop here means certain death. Come forward with single-minded mindfulness, and I will protect you.” It is Amitābha Buddha’s call and promise to all living beings, emphasizing the importance of “reciting the Buddha’s name with undivided attention and moving forward courageously”. The pavilions and lotus ponds in the background symbolize the magnificent scenery of the Western Pure Land, which is the ultimate destination of the traveler. Publication Information (Text on the Left) No Unauthorized Reproduction (不許復製) Printed on April 5, 1940 (昭和十五年四月五日 印刷) First Edition Published on April 8 of the Same Year (同年四月八日 第一版發行) Copyright Holder and Printer (著作兼印刷人) Publisher: Hōshinkai Office (法親會事務所), Higashi-iri, Tsuchiya-chō, Shitazumaki-chō, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto City (京都市上京區下椹木町土屋町東入) Person in Charge: Keizō Kasai (笠井 敬造) Telephone: Nishijin ④-6699 (電話：西陣④六六九九番) - Vintage Kyoto phone number format Due to the passage of time, the paper has signs of natural aging such as oxidation-induced yellowing, mold spots, creases and slight edge wear. - The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings). - The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable). - This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.