Calligraphy

  • Muryōgi-kyō
  • Kanfugen-kyō
  • National Treasure

Muryōgi-kyō (Immeasurable Meanings Sutra), Kanfugen-kyō （Samantabhadra Contemplation Sutra）

  • Japan Heian period, 11th century
  • Two handscrolls; ink on decorated paper
  • (Muryōgi-kyō) h: 25.2cm　ｌ: 927.9cm
    (Kanfugen-kyō) h: 25.4cm　ｌ: 854.8cm
  • [00284/00205]

This is a superb example of shikishi sutra, or colored paper sutra. Here the paper is a mix of dark and light shades of brown dyed paper. The graceful wayō, or Japanese style, calligraphy makes this work a renowned example of 11th century sutra versions.