The Heisei Reiwa no Hyakumonyo Project（woodblock publicized in June 2019）

Wisdom, overcoming worldly desires, peace and tranquility

A design created in collaboration with architect Toshifumi Saimon during the renovation of the inn Monjusou, which boasts an illustrious history in Amanohashidate dating to the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Monju Bosatsu (or Manjushri Bodhisattva) symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha. According to legend, the gods Izanagi and Izanami summoned Monju Bosatsu, the god of wisdom, to subdue a rampaging dragon. Monju’s righteous sword, it is said, will “eradicate all forms of trickery,” and Monju’s wisdom will release all attachments to worldly desires. Seeking to imbue the pattern with miraculous spiritual power, we combined Monju—the giver of wisdom—with a dragon. The pattern has been incorporated into the room partitions used at Monjusou inn and expresses a wish for peaceful, tranquil travels.

Description by Karakamishi Toto Akihiko