Description

Antique Japanese Buddhist temple banner made of silk and woven with gold gilt paper weft (ginran or kinren) in a dynamic design of a pair of water dragons each facing the center where a burning pearl (woven with silver leaf) floats on a golden cloud. Dragons and pearls together in Buddhist art symbolize the endless cycle of transformation. The flaming pearl is one of the Eight Treasures and represents pure intentions as well as the sacred wish-granting pearl of the Buddhist faith. The back side of the banner is lined with white fabric and outfitted with loopholes for a long chord. Writing on the back reads: Yōgaku (literally “Sun-peak”) which probably refers to Yōgaku-ji, an Ōbaku Zen temple in Nagoya. Also written are the names of Buddhist lay practitioners as well as 3 locations in Nagoya, + Sakamaki, Jimokuji, Ama District (Aichi Prefecture).

Age: Edo Period 1603-1867

Dimensions: 24″ high x 198 1/2″ long