Monk Nichiren in Exile on Sado Island, from the series "Illustration of Famous Monks"

1835–36

Not on view

Kuniyoshi's series of ten prints published in 1835–36 was an abridged biography of the life of the monk Nichiren (1222–1282), the founder of the Nichiren Buddhist sect, which is based on the worship of the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren lived in exile on Sado Island from 1271 to 1274.

This particular masterpiece of ukiyo-e printmaking creates a perfect resonance between pictorial and emotional presentation. The severe snowstorm symbolizes the hardships Nichiren underwent during his exile. The monk demonstrates his strength of spirit by persevering in his uphill struggle.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Monk Nichiren in Exile on Sado Island, from the series "Illustration of Famous Monks"
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797–1861)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 1835–36
Culture: Japan
Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Oban: 9 3/4 x 14 3/4 in. (24.8 x 37.5 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Henry L. Phillips Collection, Bequest of Henry L. Phillips, 1939
Object Number: JP2856
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Utagawa Kuniyoshi

In the same medium

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Nichiren in Snow at Tsukahara, Sodo Province, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Nichiren in Snow at Tsukahara, Sodo Province
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
ca. 1840

Women Near a River, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Triptych of woodblock prints; ink, silver, and color on paper, Japan — Women Near a River
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
ca. 1850

Boys Play-acting a Daimyo Procession, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Pentaptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper, Japan — Boys Play-acting a Daimyo Procession
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
19th century

Travelling in a Snowstorm, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Travelling in a Snowstorm
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
ca. 1830

Roshungi (Chinese, Lu Zhunyi) as a Woman with a Pipe Riding on a Buffalo, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper, Japan — Roshungi (Chinese, Lu Zhunyi) as a Woman with a Pipe Riding on a Buffalo
Utagawa Kuniyoshi

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