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Antique Japanese Buddhist Hell Scenes Print: Vivid 19th-Century Depictions

$401.56

£302.31

€340

CA$553.17

A$619.52

CHF 323.26

MX$7,567.17

NOK 4,112.75

SEK 3,876.76

DKK 2,588.13

About the Item

Title: Antique Japanese Buddhist Hell Scenes Print: Vivid 19th-Century Depictions Description: This striking 19th-century Japanese print presents a vivid portrayal of Buddhist hell scenes, illustrating a dramatic narrative of sin, punishment, and karmic retribution. Created under the direction of G. A. Audsley and published by Sampson Low & Co., with lithography by Imp. Lemercier & Cie in Paris, this powerful artwork offers a rare and fascinating insight into traditional Buddhist conceptions of the afterlife. The print is divided into several horizontal panels, each capturing a different aspect of the torments awaiting sinners in hell, from rivers of boiling water to fierce demons punishing the wicked. Bright, saturated colors and dynamic compositions bring these moral tales to life, emphasizing the Buddhist belief in the consequences of one’s actions and the cycles of rebirth. The figures are shown in various states of distress and redemption, illustrating the intense symbolism of these cautionary tales. In traditional Buddhist iconography, such scenes served not only as moral instruction but also as reminders of the importance of virtuous living. The vibrant imagery and the dramatic poses of the figures underscore the tension between worldly temptations and spiritual liberation—a universal theme that resonates across cultures and eras. For collectors of Japanese art, religious prints, or those intrigued by the rich visual storytelling of Buddhist cosmology, this piece is a rare and visually arresting example. Its cross-cultural production history further adds to its appeal, blending Japanese artistic traditions with Western printing techniques. More cultural and historical context to enrich the description further: In Buddhist teachings, the realm of hell—known as Jigoku in Japanese—is a place of retribution and purification for souls who have committed grave misdeeds. The vivid scenes in this print visually narrate the concept of karma, illustrating how actions in life have consequences that ripple beyond death. These graphic depictions were often used as didactic tools, reinforcing moral behavior through fear of the agonies awaiting the wicked. The print’s arrangement of panels creates a powerful narrative flow, moving from the river of the dead—where souls are judged and sorted—to the terrifying punishments meted out by fierce demons. Common motifs include scenes of boiling cauldrons, flesh-rending demons, and judgment scenes featuring the fearsome King Enma, ruler of hell. Each panel not only frightens but also serves as a stark warning: to find salvation and avoid these torments, one must live with compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness. The inclusion of Buddhist hell scenes in art was popular in the Edo and Meiji periods, reflecting the syncretic blending of Buddhism and native Shinto beliefs in Japan. They were often displayed in temples or circulated in popular prints, bringing these moral lessons to a broad audience. What makes this particular print so compelling is how it bridges cultural divides—produced for a Western audience by European publishers, yet retaining the rich spiritual symbolism of Japanese Buddhist art. It offers a rare window into how Japanese art was both preserved and adapted in a global context, appealing to collectors interested in religious iconography, cross-cultural exchange, or the vivid power of myth in art. Condition Report: The print is in very good condition, with some light foxing typical of its age, primarily along the borders. The colors are strong and the images clear, showcasing the original vibrancy of this dramatic work. Framing Tips: Choose a deep wooden or black lacquer frame to match the rich colors and dramatic subject matter. A simple white or light cream mat will enhance the intensity of the scenes, allowing the artwork’s vivid details and moral drama to shine through.

Dimensions:

Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 10.83 in (27.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper

Period:

1880-1889

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1882

Condition:

The print is in very good condition, with some light foxing typical of its age, primarily along the borders. The colors are strong and the images clear, showcasing the original vibrancy of this dramatic work.

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

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