Hannya shingyo (Heart Sutra), unknown maker from Japan; Kūkai

Artwork Overview

Hannya shingyo (Heart Sutra)
Hannya shingyo (Heart Sutra)
Hannya shingyo (Heart Sutra)
1924, Taisho period (1912–1926)
Hannya shingyo (Heart Sutra) , 1924, Taisho period (1912–1926)
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: woodcut
Dimensions:
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): closed 178 x 70 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 7 1/2 x 2 3/4 in
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): open (unfolded) 178 x 967 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 7 1/2 x 38 1/16 in
Credit line: Gift of Sherry Fowler
Accession number: 2006.0009
Not on display
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Label texts

Teaching Gallery Label: “Eyes on Icons: Exploring Japanese Buddhism at the Spencer Museum of Art,” Apr-2008, Rachel Voorhies The Hannya shingyō, or Heart Sutra, describes the experience of liberation of the bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteśvara). Like the Daihannya Haramitta kyō, this text deals with the emptiness of all phenomena, a reoccurring theme throughout Buddhism. This sutra is especially important within the Shingon and Zen schools of Japan, where it is chanted as part of religious practice. The strong connection of the Heart Sutra with spoken recitation is clear in this 1924 woodblock printed version of the sutra. Red lines and dots are printed alongside the black text, serving as notation for the reader. Lines indicate pauses in the recitation, while the dots mark accents in the spoken rhythm. In addition to the red marks, each character is accompanied with the appropriate kana that spells the word out phonetically, making the text even more accessible and user-friendly for the general audience.