Title: Benzaiten Kei Gu Biàn (Scriptures of the Benzaiten Sutra), 1685. With a Double-Page Woodblock of the Uga-Benzaiten Mandala, and Smaller Hiragana Text for those Unskilled with Kanji
Condition: Fair
An extremely scarce Early Edo Period, late 17th century edition o the Benzaiten Kei Gu biàn, or Scriptures of the Benzaiten Sutra, printed in the second year of the Jokyo Era.
The text is primarily printed in kanji, but there is smaller, accompanying hiragana text for those unskilled in kanji to still read the sutra.
The colophon states a printing date for the Second Year of the Jokyo Era, or 1685.
The sutra is further enhanced with a beautiful double-page woodblock at the very beginning, depicting the Uga-Benzaiten Mandala. At the center is the goddess herself, seated atop the raised earth, in an elaborate gown and head dress, her eight arms bearing a bow, arrow, sword, ax, spear, storehouse key, long wand, wheel and wish granting jewel. Flanking her are the deities Daikoku and Kishijoten, and below are the Benzaiten’s 16 children/disciples.
The sutra has been printed on fine, coated paper, treated with mica dust to give it a glistening appearance.
Worldcat and Kokusho record no existing copies of this edition in libraries, though it may also be under a slightly different title.
One volume in orihon (accordion) format (23.3 x 8.4 cm), 33 leaves
This volume is in fair shape, with heavy wear and old staining to the covers. The final page is partially torn in half, holding with an old repair. There is some staining throughout, heavier at the beginning.