Title: Shenhua an Chuan (Mythical Case Records), Circa 1550-1650. An Illuminated Manuscript of Chinese Mythological Tales and Prayers, with Twenty-Nine Star Charts and Constellation Gatherings
Condition: Very Good
A Late Muromachi to Early Edo Period, Mid 16th to 17th century manuscript handscroll, entitled Shenhua an Chuan, or Mythical Case Records.
As the title would hint at, the manuscript is a serious of Chinese mythological tales and prayers and is accompanied by relevant star charts and constellation gatherings. Accompanying the Chinese calligraphy is kundoku, a method of visual reading aid meant to support Japanese readers of this scroll.
Throughout the scroll, there are numerous diagrams of constellation gatherings and stars, produced in golden and silver inks. Altogether, there are 29 beautiful diagrams and charts, and the last three or four strongly resemble mandala star charts, with numerous groupings and constellation depictions. I am reminded heavily of the Hoshi Mandala, used by the Shingon and Tendai Sects.
The calligraphy has been neatly written in a 17-character format, each column ruled and borders in golden ink.
The calligraphy and paintings have been laid down and bound in scroll format, with a beautiful brocade decorated cover of orange and various geometric designs.
One brocade decorated handscroll of illuminated calligraphy and paintings, 27.5 x 1159 cm
This manuscript is in very good shape, with minor wear and rubbing to the brocade decorated cover. There is minor, scattered staining and soiling in places, and a few sheets are slightly loosening.