ETHAS 065646

Ensemble des ofuda du Pèlerinage de Shikoku, surmontés du maître Kukai (type Shinnyo) sous un dais

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065646
The ofuda of the pilgrimage on Shikoku island
Japan, Shikoku
20th century
Paper, brocade
Gift of Jérôme Ducor in 2009
Ofuda (お札) are pious images given to pilgrims. The pilgrimage on Shikoku Island visits 88 temples connected with the master Kōbō Daishi (774-835), the founder of the esoteric buddhist Shingon school.

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Japanese Buddhist iconography

Buddhism passed from China to Japan in the 6th century. There it was particularly influenced by its esoteric form (Tantrism). This form uses rituals to a large number of beings who incarnate various degrees of enlightenment: buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods and goddesses, “kings of science” and others. Tantric Buddhism is represented by the Shingon and Tendai schools. They specialised in iconography in order to codify the colours, postures and gestures of the various personages used not only in the rituals but as an aid to meditation.

The great Amida (<i>Daibutsu</i>) Buddha of Kamakura, <i>Views and Customs of Japan</i>, by Stillfried & Andersen, Yokohama, around 1870.

The great Amida (Daibutsu) Buddha of Kamakura, Views and Customs of Japan, by Stillfried & Andersen, Yokohama, around 1870. Alfred Bertrand collection © MEG Inv. ETHPH 411954

Bibliograpy

  • Collectif. 2011. Ofuda, images gravées des temples du Japon. Paris : Collège de France

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