1872 Portrait of the Head Priest of Daiji Temple – Commemorative Lithograph
€ 320
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1872
Sheet size
51 × 36 cm (20.1 × 14.2 in)
Condition
Fair
Reference
BG-12246-3
Condition
Fair with general age-related toning and defects from handling, with some yellowing and wear, especially along the edges. An open scratch into the image border in the top right. Study the scans carefully.
About this sheet
This is an antique Japanese lithograph depicting a Buddhist monk or a high-ranking religious figure, seated in traditional robes. The monk is dressed in a rich purple garment adorned with gold accents, which signifies his high spiritual or clerical status. He holds a symbolic religious item, possibly a *shaku* (a ceremonial scepter), in his hands, further emphasizing his role as a leader or teacher within a Buddhist temple or order.
The background is minimal and focuses on the figure, framed by an intricate floral border. Behind the monk, a hanging scroll with calligraphy provides further context, likely a phrase from Buddhist teachings. The text at the bottom suggests that this is a memorial or honorific portrait, commonly used to commemorate important religious figures.
The presence of this ornate border and the detailed hand-coloring of the robes (particularly the rich purple) indicate the importance of the subject. Purple in Japanese culture is often associated with nobility, wisdom, and spirituality, reinforcing the idea that this figure holds a significant religious or spiritual role.
The lithograph likely dates back to the late 19th century, and despite signs of wear, the delicate hand-coloring and precise detail make this a valuable artifact of religious and cultural history in Japan.
Here is the transcription of the Japanese text from the print:
- Text at the bottom of the print: 像真御上教大寺頌水 明治五年九月二十三日図
Translation:
- 像真御上教大寺頌水: "Portrait of the True Image of His Highness, Head Priest of Daiji Temple, Water Praise." - 明治五年九月二十三日図: "Drawn on the 23rd day of the 9th month of Meiji Year 5" (which corresponds to September 23, 1872).
Interpretation: This print appears to be a commemorative or honorific portrait of a high-ranking monk, possibly the head priest of a Buddhist temple called "Daiji Temple." The phrase "Water Praise" may refer to a title or religious honor bestowed upon the monk. The date places this portrait in the Meiji period, specifically in 1872.
