Dōka kokoro no utsushi-e (Moral poems: reflections of the soul)

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Dōka kokoro no utsushi-e ["Moral poems: reflections of the soul"]

[Sangoen, Tsukimaro (text by); Hori, Genpo (illustrated by)].

[Japan: publisher unidentified, preface dated Bunsei 10 (1827)]. 

A collection of dōka (didactic poems presenting lessons on life through a Buddhist lens) and illustrations mainly based on the Japanese and Chinese character for 'heart' or 'soul', 心 (kokoro). Minowa Kenryo suggests in his Buddhist thought in late Tokugawa didactic poetry (dōka) collections: understandings of the mind ("Studies in Indian philosophy and Buddhism" 24, 2016) that Sangoen Tsukimaro and Hori Genpo, the author and illustrator, are the same person. As Miyeko Murase notes in The written image: Japanese calligraphy and painting from the Sylvan Barnet and William Burto Collection (2002, p. 171), "It was common practice for Zen masters to use moji-e as a teaching device, enabling pupils to probe beneath the surface appearance of things to transcend the duality of word and image. Moji-e seems to have been regarded as something akin to the paradoxical questions (koan) traditionally posed by Zen masters". A playful collection of moji-e with underlying Buddhist messages.

One four-hole-bound (yotsutoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Presumed non-original wrappers, slightly soiled and worn, with scrapes, marks, and non-original mounted daisen title panel. Internal thumbing and light soiling. Large but light stains throughout, mainly to preface. Small ex-ownership stamp to last page of text, a few minor wormholes to lower pastedown. Lacks or was published without title and colophon. 42 leaves. 18 x 12.3 cm.

Dōka kokoro no utsushi-e (Moral poems: reflections of the soul)
Price: $250.00 (USD)