Muryōji Temple was originally built near the harbor, but after a large earthquake, it was washed away by a tsunami. A long time passed before the head monk, Gukai, was able to rebuild it. To commemorate its restoration, Gukai, who was old friends with the famous artist Ōkyo Maruyama, wished to commission some fusuma paintings. But Ōkyo was at the height of his popularity and couldn’t leave Kyoto, so in his stead he sent his apprentice, whose name was Rosetsu. This is where the story of Muryōji’s famous fusuma paintings begins.

The main hall has six rooms. Please take a look at the next illustration.

In the center of the back of the building is the altar room, called Butsu-ma. A statue of the beloved Buddha is enshrined here. In the room before it, called Shichū-noma, many ceremonies and rituals are performed as monks kneel before the Buddha’s likeness. Then, there are four additional rooms: Jōkan-ichinoma, Jōkan-ninoma, Gekan-ichinoma, and Gekan-ninoma. Within the building, the most formal of the rooms is Jōkan-ichinoma. Let’s start with the fusuma there.

Remember when we said that Ōkyo sent his apprentice in his place because he was too busy? We actually have no evidence of that. In fact, we have also heard the theory that Ōkyo couldn’t leave Kyoto because his wife was unwell.

We don’t have a lot of evidence that can verify the history of the Edo Period. We have even less information regarding works of art in this time period. So, how these paintings can be interpreted is up to you. But still, we will explain it to you as it has been explained to us by the head priest who had resided here for 15 years.