Hokekyo (Lotus Sutra), Volume 8 with Postscript by Emperor Fushimi

Emperor Fushimi (1265-1317, r. 1287-98) ordered the Buddhist monk Keirin of Kôzan-ji Temple in Kyoto to copy this set of the Lotus Sutra (J., Myôhô rengekyô, commonly known as Hokekyô), in eight volumes. According to the postscript in Volume 8, dated the twenty-second day of the tenth month of 1310 (Enkyô 3), written by Emperor Fushimi, this set was offered for the repose of his imperial father, Emperor Gofukakusa (1243-1304, r. 1246-59). On a section of the paper affixed to the axis of Volume 2 is written: “Completed on the sixteenth day of the fourth month of 1308 (Tokuji 3).” This indicates that the initial production of this set started some time prior to this date. Now missing is the original cover with the outer title in the hand of Emperor Fushimi.

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

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