Fragments from the Illustrated Causal Sutra of the Past and Present

The "Past and Present Causal Sutra" is a four-volume sutra that tells the story of Shakyamuni's past life and life. The illustrated Causal Sutra, consisting of eight volumes, includes illustrations of the sutra's text. This fragment, formerly owned by the Masuda family, is part of Volume 4 of the "E Causal Sutra," consisting of eight lines on four pages, covering approximately eight sections from "First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma" to "Sankashyapa's Retreat." The original version of the "E Causal Sutra" is believed to have been imported from China around the mid-Tenpyo period of the Nara period (mid-8th century), and several copies were produced. The depiction of the costumes and the compositional technique of dividing scenes with trees and rocky mountains are reminiscent of the Six Dynasties style of Chinese painting, while the meticulous depiction of the figures reveals the sensitivity of a Japanese painter.