The Oldest Set of Decorated Lotus Sutras
The The Lotus Sutra (Kunoji Sutra) (法華経 (久能寺経)) is four scrolls of the Kunoji Sutra, a decorated Lotus Sutra of the Heian period, location unknown, which in 2017 were designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records four handscrolls, first designated an Important Cultural Property in 1934.
According to the Agency, the sutras were copied by a circle of devotees centred on Retired Emperor Toba and his consort Taikenmon'in Shoshi.
Decoration
According to the Agency, the covers, frontispieces and both faces of the text paper are lavishly decorated in gold and silver.
It is a decorated sutra of the very highest quality.
What to Look For
The Agency notes that it predates the Heike Nokyo by about a quarter of a century and is the oldest surviving set of decorated Lotus Sutras.
Notice the rich gold and silver decoration, from the covers to both faces of the text.
Visiting the The Lotus Sutra (Kunoji Sutra)
Its owner and location are not disclosed, and no official information on viewing could be found.
Q&A
- When was it designated a National Treasure?
- On 15 September 2017.
- Who took part in copying it?
- A circle centred on Retired Emperor Toba and Taikenmon'in.
- How is it decorated?
- Lavishly in gold and silver on covers, frontispieces and text.
- How does it relate to the Heike Nokyo?
- It is about 25 years older.
- Why is it important?
- It is the oldest surviving set of decorated Lotus Sutras.
Basic Information
| Name | The Lotus Sutra (Kunoji Sutra) (法華経 (久能寺経)) |
|---|---|
| Location | Location unknown |
| Designation | National Treasure (book) |
| Year Designated | Designated 2017/9/15 (Heisei 29) |
| Quantity | 4 handscrolls |
| Dimensions | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Viewing information not found |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Kunoji Sutra (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/00011767
- Cultural Heritage Online: Kunoji Sutra (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/399475
Last verified: 2026.09.30