Fascicle Three of Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra) in Silver on Indigo Paper

This scripture transcription is Fascicle 3 of the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law written in silver ink on indigo-blue mulberry paper, which is folded in accordion fashion. It is of great value in that it achieved the splendid artistry through the exquisite execution of the frontispiece and calligraphy with the superior material of gold and silver. Regarding the cover of the volume, there are four large flowers drawn vertically in a row, with the flowers and stems in gold and the arabesque pattern in silver. The title is written in a rectangular cartouche over the center of the four flowers. On the right side of the next page, there is an illustration of the Buddha’s preaching scene, whereas the left side illustrates “The Parable of the Phantom City”, “The Parable of the Medicinal Herbs”, and “Bestowal of Prophecy”. In the illustration of the Buddha’s preaching, the Buddha is the center flanked by his disciples Kasyapa and Ananda. To the left of the Buddha are seven bodhisattvas and to his right are two bodhisattvas. Behind him are the Four Heavenly Kings. In front of the Buddha, there is a table with an incense burner and a flower basin, and there are Buddhist monks facing the Buddha on their knees, attentively listening to his teachings while holding their palms together.