Reprinting the Major Works of Byakuin (the Restorer of the Rinzai Religion) Using Wood-Block Printing
Wood block and book bound in Japanese style of sample printings that were recently delivered to the Zen Culture Research Center from China.
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The Zen Culture Research Center (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto) recently began a three year project to reproduce the major works of Byakuin, the restorer of Japan's Rinzai religion, utilizing the same wood-block printing method used during the Edo period (1603-1867). This is an unusual undertaking even for the Buddhist society, which still works in wood block making and printing in China. The works of Byakuin have been scattered throughout Japan and have never been compiled into one collection, so the reproductions are expected to make a major contribution to Zen research.
Last autumn, as an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of its founding, the Zen Culture Research Center, consisting of various Rinzai and Obaku sects, decided to publish an illustrated book of the works of Byakuin. Byakuin was a man who could explain the teachings of Zen in a manner easily understood by the general public, and the center plans to create a collection of reproductions with annotations and the painting and calligraphic works of Byakuin to pass on his works to future generations. Starting this year, full-scale work has begun to create the reproductions, and 300 editions (not for sale) are expected to be completed over the next three years by the project's end in 1998. As no wood block specialists could be found domestically in Japan, originals and photographs are being sent to wood block craftsmen in China where the wood blocks are being produced. |
 Portrait of Byakuin |
Byakuin (1685-1768) was born in the city of Numazu. He left home at the age of 15 and joined the Myoshinji Temple in 1718. Byakuin produced a 54 volume work explaining the essence of Zen, and has left approximately 10,000 paintings and calligraphic works. |
