Shushōgi · Sōtō Zen · Illustrated · Japan

A scarce, highly decorative Japanese Buddhist devotional book in traditional orihon accordion-fold format, opening to approximately 3 metres

This highly attractive early 20th-century Japanese Buddhist orihon accordion-fold book, printed for the Sōtō Zen tradition contains the important devotional text Shushōgi. With its original card covers, vertical Japanese script, illustrated Buddhist opening and printed colophon, this is a wonderfully evocative piece of Japanese religious print culture — appealing not only to collectors of Buddhism and Zen, but also to buyers of Japanese antiques, unusual books, sacred texts, cabinet curiosities and historical ephemera.

This is not just a small religious booklet — it is a visually appealing survival from Japanese Buddhist devotional culture, combining:

• Japanese antique book format
• Buddhist / Zen religious content
• Traditional accordion-fold orihon binding
• Illustrated devotional opening
• Old Japanese typography and script
• Compact displayable size
• Printed colophon with publisher / printer details
• Strong crossover appeal to book, ephemera and Asian art collectors

Item Details

• Title: Shushōgi / Sōtō Kyōkai Shushōgi
• Subject: Japanese Buddhism / Sōtō Zen
• Format: Orihon accordion-fold booklet
• Language: Japanese
• Binding: Folding book with card covers
• Illustrations: Buddhist illustrated opening / frontispiece
• Publisher / issuing body: Sōtō Sect Administrative Office
• Publishing office shown: Kōmeisha, Tokyo
• Approximate period: Early 20th century
• Size closed: 17 cm x 7 cm 
• Size open: 17 cm x 300 cm (3 metres)
• Extent: 42 pages / panels
• Origin: Japan
• Type: Religious / devotional / doctrinal Buddhist text

Condition

Good antique condition overall.

Please see all photographs, as they form part of the description. Note that photographs were taken using different light sources.

Noted condition points:

• Original card covers present
• Accordion folds intact overall
• Some age toning, handling marks and light wear
• Three folds and a small part of the rear cover have been neatly reinforced with archival tape, helping preserve the booklet’s structure while remaining visible on inspection

• Printed text and illustrations remain clear
• Complete

A very pleasing and displayable example with the honest signs of age expected from a handled devotional booklet.