Label Type
Object LabelLabel
The Hyakumanto Dharani Scroll
764-770 C.E.
Yamato Dynasty, Nara, Japan
Wood block print on paper
Purchased by the Museum from donations provided by Haywood Graphics, J.V. Burnham, Diversified Lithographics, Brazosport Printing, Springman-King Printing, Sheldon, Inc., Jack H. Emmott Jr., Palmer Paper Company, and Chatham Printers.
1982.001.01
Literally meaning “Dharani in One Million Pagoda”, Hyakumanto Dharani is one of the oldest relief printing in the world. Empress Shotoku (718–770) of eighth-century Japan commissioned one million copies of Buddhist text known as dharanis, which were then placed into pagodas made of hinoki wood and dedicated to major temples in her realm. The museum’s display is one of the 1,700 surviving copies, most of which exist in the Horyuji, Japan.
For the empress, the project was a means of salvation after suppressing a rebellion by her own cousin. The dharanis were taken from Mukujokokyo, a Buddhist cannon at the time. Repetition of these incantations—either by transcribing or chanting them—and placing them in pagodas were thought to wash away sins, prolong life, escape Hell, and protect the kingdom. Printing the dharanis gave a unique way of repeating the scripture and performing the ritual of redemption. Such show of piety through printed words also established her resumption of power. Printing technology, writing system, high quality paper, and Buddhism were all relatively recent imports from China via Korea. Literacy was limited to small circle of courtiers, but was essential to understanding Buddhist writings. Commissioning a mass state sponsored project to print Buddhist sacred texts gave Empress Shotoku much needed legitimacy and authority in her court, especially after a rebellion. After the project was completed, the empress worked to establish a strong Buddhist monarch state, though without much success.