Huge Japanese Antique Temple Banner Lotus Sutra 1913 Hoo-zan Nobori 8.2m BRKW164

Huge Japanese Antique Temple Banner Lotus Sutra 1913 Hoo-zan Nobori 8.2m

This is a monumental Japanese antique ceremonial banner (Nobori/O-maku), measuring over 8 meters in length. It was commissioned in August 1913 (Taisho 2) for Hoo-zan Temple.

Condition:
The banner was originally pure white, but over the past 110+ years, the ink from the calligraphy has gradually seeped into the fibers, giving the white fabric a distinguished and authentic grayish tone. It remains in solid antique condition, showcasing a powerful patina that only a century of history can provide.

Usage (Temple Entrance Nobori):
The banner features loops along the side for a pole to be inserted, indicating it was used as a massive vertical "Nobori" flag. Such banners were traditionally erected at the main entrance of a temple during sacred festivals, significant ceremonies, or memorial services to announce the preaching of the Dharma.

Technical & Historical Context:
* Sacred Phrase: The large characters read "為説無上法" (I setsu mujo ho), a famous passage from the Lotus Sutra (Hokke-kyo) meaning "For the sake of preaching the Supreme Dharma".
* Signature: The banner bears the hand-painted signature of the temple's chief priest at the time.
* Temple: Labeled "Hoo-zan" (法王山), likely associated with the historic Hoo-zan Ryozen-ji temple in Chichibu, Saitama, given its provenance.

Size:
Length: approx. 828.0 cm / 27.1 ft
Width: approx. 93.0 cm / 3.0 ft
Weight: 2100 g / 4.63 lbs

Please check the photos carefully for details.