February 28, 2008
13th Century Mizukagami Portrait at Nakayama Joko-in
Updated 06-01-2006
Updated 10/28/2008
Mizukagami no Ososisama
Nakayama Joko-in appears to be one of the sub-temples and shrines associated with Hokekyo-ji Temple at Nakayama Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture. The lineage of Nakayama originated with Nichiren's lay followers Toki Jonim & Ohta Jomyo.
Statues, Drawings, & Paintings of Nichiren
So we should draw it [the image of Nichiren] as it is without considering [whether] it is good-looking or not." <.i>-- Nikko.
This is maybe the only extant image of Nichiren that was painted while he was still alive. It is the only one I know of that has been independently dated to the 1200's {13th C.}. Note that his eyes, ears, and nose are of ordinary size and proportion. Since the image is not only realistic, it is also dated to the 1200's, we can maybe safely assume this is what he looked like in his 30's, before the persecutions took a toll.
This one is called the "Water Mirror" {Mizukagami} Portrait because it was allegedly painted from Nichiren's reflection in water; since it was not appropriate to look at a Sage. I suspect that is back fill from the Muromachi Era; when Nichiren was seen as descended from the Imperial Line, or even as an incarnation of Tensho Daijin.
The orignal scroll is kept at the Joko-in sub-temple of Hokekyoji Temple located at old Shimousa Province; Nakayama, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture. Nichiren saint image chiba-muse.or.jp
On Nichiren's Gohonzon for Practicing Kanjin
Joko-in also houses at least one {1} original Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon:
Mandala #059 inscribed on February 2, 1279. Mandala inscribed by Nichiren, formal style. This is one of six {6} authenticated and published Nichiren Mandalas that appear to bear the "Gain & Loss Inscriptions." See Gain & Loss Inscriptions on Nichiren Mandalas
The Painting
As one can see, in this portrait, Nichiren is clad in a drab brown robe. He is holding a fully extended scroll with both hands. There is an uncovered sutra table in front of him, holding rolled up scrolls. The story is that it was painted from a reflection, hence the title "Mizukagami," meaning "water mirror or reflection." Some say the portrait depicts the Sage at age 31/32, preaching his first sermon, in the lecture hall of Seichoji Temple, on April 28, 1253. It may also represent him teaching at his Matsu-baga-yatsu Valley/Nagoe Hills Kamakura Hermitage, a year or so later.
The next image is an enhanced version.
If you follow this link , there is a picture you can click on to open a bigger image.:
Hanging scroll " Nichiren saint " (actual size 450×640mm) .
It looks like they allow one download to print for for personal use only.
Links
Nichiren Shu Books & Supplies:
A set of 26 postcards of Buddhist Art
Shochuzan Hokekyo-ji Temple/ Pilgrimage to major Nichiren Shu Temples
Daihonzan Hokekyoji OFFICIAL PAGE
Zuiun's Image
We also have a href="http://www.butsuzou.com/English/aboutzuiun.html">Reverend Zuiun Matsuda's Hokekyo-ji Temple in Nakayama model Nichiren statue ... . carved based on the Nichiren image "Mizukagami no Ososisama"
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Saint Nichiren (Buddhist image)
A light colored Saint Nichiren
The great visiters from USA
Zuiun's web site
Posted by rbeck at February 1, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted by rbeck at February 28, 2008 04:00 PM