June 24, 2006
Joeiji 16th C. Portrait
Updated 06-12-2006
Statues, Drawings, & Paintings of Nichiren
This, from the 1500's, is one of several nearly identical portraits painted in the 16th & 17th Centuries. I think it is kept at the famous Eumzan Joeiji Temple, aka Botamochi-dera. Joeiji is built at the site of the Temple of the Nun Nichiei, who was Nissho's elder sister.
Muromachi period, 16th century, Hanging scroll, colors on silk 119.5X76.2cm. As one can see, in the portrait, Nichiren has an open, but not extended scroll in his left hand; and something else in his right. The table, in front of him, holding the scrolls, is covered with a brightly colored cloth. There appears to be a flower vase on the table. His robe is brown, but he is wearing a shawl or something that is brightly colored.
"Minamoto Yoritomo reportedly set up a platform on the hill at the back of this temple to get a view of the distant Yuigahama Beach. The temple is also called "Botamochi-dera", based on the legend that a Botamochi - glutinous rice ball covered with Azuki bean jam - presented by Sazikini (nun) of the wife of Saemonnojou-Sukenobu responsible for the miracle that saved the life of Nichiren while he was being taken to an execution ground. This temple was founded in 1606 by Nichiyu in commemoration of this story, and belongs to the Nichiren sect." -- Joeiji Temple kamakura.kanagawa.jp/eng/stroll/scene/
Posted by rbeck at February 8, 2006 12:41 AM
Posted by rbeck at June 24, 2006 12:00 AM