Bound Fan Papers with the Lotus Sutra

This is an exceedingly rare example of an edition of the Lotus Sutra copied on to a book made of fan-shaped papers. It is one of ten books that were passed down in Shitenno-ji Temple in Osaka. During the Heian period, which lasted from 794 to 1192, courtiers enthusiastically copied out the Lotus Sutra onto lavishly-decorated paper. These elaborate works became known as 'decorated sutras', and this edition is one such example. The manuscripts are made of the highest quality torinoko-gami, or 'egg paper', so named because of its light-brown egg-like color. This paper is printed with shiny mica powder and sprinkled with gold and silver cut leaf, with designs then painted on top or printed by wood block.

These are colored in warm tones such as red and yellow. The gold and silver shine through the designs to create this bright, colorful work. Ten Rasetsunyo, or protective deities of the Lotus Sutra, are painted on the cover of each booklet. They are depicted here as Heian court women. Illustrated scenes from the daily lives of courtiers and commoners adorn the inner pages. Their lively, benevolent appearances and expressions are particularly noteworthy. This work is also valuable for its portrayal of the manners and customs of the time.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.