Life of Nichiren: Rock Suspended by the Power of Prayer 1825 - 1845

Curator: This woodblock print before us, dating from around 1825 to 1845, is entitled "Life of Nichiren: Rock Suspended by the Power of Prayer". It’s by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a master of the ukiyo-e style. Editor: Whoa. Okay, first impression? Pure theatre. It’s dramatic, operatic almost. That rock hovering up there is like a plot twist waiting to happen. Curator: The scene depicts a pivotal moment in the life of Nichiren, a Buddhist monk who lived in the 13th century. He faced considerable persecution for his teachings. In this print, we see an attempted assassination thwarted by his fervent prayer, which miraculously suspends a falling rock. The historical context is key here: Nichiren's story resonates with themes of resistance and the power of faith in the face of oppression. Editor: It really gets your attention doesn’t it? Forget about being subtle— the color palette screams “Look at me!” And it’s kind of funny, the expressions. Those would-be assassins? Talk about cartoonish villains. And is that guy carrying a huge axe?! Curator: That axe is indeed imposing. And the figuration leans into a certain drama, reflective of popular storytelling at the time. Look how Kuniyoshi uses the landscape; the looming mountain, the waterfall...it all creates a stage for the central figures and reinforces the magnitude of Nichiren's ordeal. Editor: I see a mountain, and my brain screams ‘stability,’ right? And then that defiant floating boulder kind of turns everything upside down, questioning assumptions. Also it has this quality, doesn’t it—like a still from a very wild movie, all action, courage and determination! Curator: Precisely. Consider how this print engages with concepts of power. We see both earthly power, represented by the armed assassins, and spiritual power, embodied by Nichiren. This juxtaposition prompts reflection on what constitutes true strength. Editor: Okay, this is making me think. Art isn’t always meant to soothe. Sometimes it’s a splash of icy water to make you gasp, make you reconsider. I love art like this, a visual explosion of faith. Curator: Absolutely. I think Kuniyoshi encourages us to confront complex issues—religious persecution, faith, and resistance against oppression—making this work intensely relevant even today. Editor: What an experience. It reminds me that behind every grand spectacle there is always humanity at its core, the frail, stubborn and wild humanity!