Ippongyō waka kaishi (Poems on the Chapters of the Lotus Sutra)

This edition of the Lotus Sutra (Skt. Saddharmapun ・d・arīka-sūtra, J. Myōhōrengekyō or Hokekyō) gets its nickname because each individual character rests on a colorful lotus pedestal. The tiny paintings and calligraphy, brushed in formal standard script, are executed in strict regularity while at the same time evoking a sense of softness within their framework of silver guide lines.
In chapter 21, “The Supernatural Powers of the Buddha,” the top of each line of the sutra begins with a series of lotus seats in a consistent color order—blue, crimson, green, and silver (alternating with black ink)—creating horizontal bands of color. Unfortunately, the final poetry text of this chapter is missing. In chapter 22, “Entrustment,” the lotuses are colored in a more complex pattern than in the previous scroll.
Surrounding central crimson lozenges are nested lozenges of green, blue, gold, and silver.
The practice of placing each character on a lotus pedestal suggests that each syllable of the sutra is itself a seated Buddha, reminding us very straightforwardly and effectively that these scriptures are indeed the sacred words of the Buddha.