1908 Nichiren Shu Gohonzon
Minobu Sect Buddhist Mandala Fine Art Print

Gohonzon Scroll – Nichiren Shu (Minobu Sect), Believed to Date to 1908

Bring home a piece of living Buddhist tradition with this exquisite reproduction of a Nichiren Shu (日蓮宗) Gohonzon (御本尊), believed to date to 1908. Originating within the Minobu (身延) Sect of Nichiren Buddhism—the oldest and most traditional branch of Nichiren’s teachings—this sacred calligraphy is both a spiritual object of devotion and a timeless work of Japanese art.

Historical Significance

This particular Gohonzon is attributed to the Minobu Sect and is believed to date to 1908, during Japan’s Meiji period (1868–1912). This was an era of rapid modernization and cultural transition, when traditional Buddhist practices were both challenged and preserved. For Nichiren Shu practitioners, it represents the unbroken lineage of transmission from Nichiren (1222–1282) and the enduring presence of his teachings at Mount Minobu, where he spent his final years.

Artistic Features

Rendered in bold Japanese brush calligraphy, the characters radiate both spiritual gravitas and aesthetic elegance.

The intricate script draws the eye inward, symbolizing universal harmony and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Each reproduction is printed using archival-quality giclée techniques, faithfully capturing the depth, energy, and texture of the original ink on fine handmade paper.

Why Own This Gohonzon Print?

For Practitioners: Provides a focal point for chanting Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō, meditation, or quiet reflection.

For Collectors: A historically significant reproduction, believed to originate from 1908, preserving a direct link to Japanese Buddhist heritage.

For Aesthetics: Striking black calligraphy against warm handmade paper tones creates a commanding presence in any meditation room, gallery wall, or study.

Details

Faithful fine art giclée reproduction of a Nichiren Shu (Minobu Sect) Gohonzon, believed to date to 1908.

Produced on handmade fine art papers, prized for their strength, beauty, and texture. No two prints are exactly alike, making each a unique work of devotional art.

This piece embodies both profound spiritual meaning and artistic refinement—a rare opportunity to own a reproduction bridging centuries of Buddhist devotion and Japanese calligraphy tradition.

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About These High-Quality Prints:

Each giclée print is created with care on traditional Asian fine art papers chosen for their beauty and character. I print using a professional Canon imagePROGRAF giclée printer with archival pigment inks rated to last a lifetime (90+ years if properly cared for).

I charge less than big-box print sellers like AllPosters.com, yet I use far finer materials — handmade papers from Japan, Korea, and China combined with the best archival inks. More importantly, you’re buying from an Asian art enthusiast who pours genuine passion into every print.

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Size Info:

I offer standard U.S. frame size 11x17" for this print. This 11x17" size is easy to frame with off-the-shelf options from stores like Michaels (use a coupon and you’ll find frames starting at $16 for 11x17). If you need a different U.S. or international size, as long as we can keep the same aspect, I can customize for you.

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About Paper Choices:

Handmade Grass Fiber

My favorite paper is Grass Fiber Paper, known in Chinese as Picaozhi (皮草纸). This is a handmade xuān paper (宣紙) that blends rice straw and fibers for a beautifully organic look. The name literally means “leather grass paper,” reflecting its warm tone and grassy textures.

The best xuan paper comes from workshops in Anhui province, made from Wingceltis bark and rice straw. Wingceltis belongs to the hemp family, which explains the strength and longevity of this paper — centuries-old artworks on xuan paper still hang in museums today.

Because a single layer of xuan paper is thin, I carefully dry-mount each print to a second sheet in my studio. This makes the artwork easier to frame while keeping it flexible enough to roll for safe shipping.

Museum-Quality Cotton Rag Paper

White Fiber Mulberry (Unryu "Dragon Cloud")

For a brighter look, I offer White Fiber Mulberry, called Unryu in Japanese, or “Cloud Dragon.” Its distinctive swirling white fibers create a luminous, cloud-like texture across the paper’s surface.

If you prefer a heavier, textured paper without fibers, I also stock Cotton Rag Paper made in the USA.

 

Here is a print in a rustic wooden frame without matting.

You can also mount this in a frame with pre-cut matting.

Here is a close up of this print on “Dragon Cloud” Unryu paper.

Here is a close up showing the texture of the 皮草之 or “Leather Grass Fiber” paper.

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Fresh prints, straight from the press.

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

I love making these prints, and I believe they look even better in person than on the website. But if you don’t love your print when it arrives, just return it within 30 days for a full refund — no questions asked.

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What About Custom Prints?

I also create custom work. Want different characters, or a design adjusted to fit your vision? Small edits are usually free, while larger projects may require a custom quote. I can also print your own high-resolution image.

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Want to Know More About the Printer?

Photographer Jeremy Cowart with the Canon imagePROGRAF printer I use.

It took a few years — and some expensive mistakes — to find the perfect giclée printer. My first handled delicate Asian papers beautifully, but its dye inks faded too quickly. My next, a huge HP DesignJet, cost nearly $7000 and constantly jammed. I finally invested in a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2000, and it’s been worth every penny.

This professional printer has 18,432 nozzles firing over 32 million droplets per second, using a 12-color Lucia Pro pigment ink system for unmatched precision, depth, and color range. These inks are archival, UV-resistant, and rated to last more than 90 years. With care, your print will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.