Item Description : This is a complete three-volume set of the illustrated Ōjō Yōshū (Essentials of Rebirth), a significant Buddhist text originally written by Genshin (源信), presented here in a richly illustrated woodblock-printed edition published in the 2nd year of the Kansei era (1790). Issued by the well-known Kyoto publisher Jihei Hishiya (菱屋治兵衛), this edition includes the Jō, Chū, and Ge volumes (upper, middle, lower), bound in traditional Japanese wahon format. The books feature dramatic and detailed black-and-white ukiyo-e-style illustrations of Buddhist cosmology, including depictions of the six realms (rokudō) of existence—particularly vivid scenes of hell (jigoku-e) with demons (oni), torments of sinners, and contrasting serene images of paradise (gokuraku), Amida Buddha, and celestial beings. These illustrations served as powerful visual teachings during the Edo period, making abstract Buddhist doctrines accessible to the general populace. While the books show signs of age—such as wear, foxing, tears, and corner losses—the woodblock prints remain visually striking and culturally invaluable. Size: Each book (approximate per volume): 22 cm (H) × 15.5 cm (W) × 1 cm (D) Total thickness (set of 3): 3 cm Total weight: 212 g Artist/Author Profile: Genshin (源信, 942–1017) Genshin, also known as Eshin Sōzu, was a prominent Heian-period Buddhist monk of the Tendai school. He is best known for authoring the Ōjō Yōshū in 985, a foundational text promoting Pure Land Buddhism in Japan. Genshin’s work deeply influenced Japanese religious thought and art, emphasizing the dichotomy of hell and paradise to guide moral behavior and devotion to Amida Buddha. Publisher: Hishiya Jihei (菱屋治兵衛), a respected Kyoto-based publisher active during the Edo period, known for high-quality woodblock-printed books, especially in the field of Buddhist literature. NOTICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.