Life of Shinran - antique Japanese illustrated book, Meiji 1887, Ogata Gekko

Shinran. Antique Japanese illustrated book.
Meiji, 1887.
Publisher: Mori Senkichi.
Format: single volume.
Illustrator: Ogata Gekko.

This Japanese edition is devoted to the life of Shinran, a central figure of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition. The book belongs to the religious biographical tradition and combines textual narrative with woodblock-printed illustrations.

Shinran was a disciple of Honen and one of the major figures of Japanese Buddhism. He developed the Jodo Shinshu tradition, making it especially important for a broad lay audience rather than only for the monastic sphere. In Japanese culture, his image became firmly established not only as a religious teacher, but also as the subject of biographical, devotional, and illustrated book traditions.

This copy is also significant for its visual side: the illustration cycle is connected with the name of Ogata Gekko. In this form, the book is of interest not only as a Buddhist Meiji-period reading text, but also as an early Japanese illustrated woodblock book in which a religious subject receives a developed late 19th-century visual treatment.

Condition

Antique condition. Natural age-related wear is present, including paper toning, signs of time to the cover and edges, and general handling wear consistent with an authentic old Japanese book. Please review the photos carefully.

Size

Size (approx.): 12 x 18 cm.

Shipping

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia. Protective packaging.

For US buyers

This item enters the United States duty-free.