A distinctive vintage Japanese shikishi (色紙) print featuring the「法掌」 (Hōshō) and a finely drawn hand gesture by Nikkyo Niwano (庭野日敬, 1906–1999), co-founder and first president of Rissho Kosei-kai (立正佼成会).
The composition is exceptionally restrained. A single hand is rendered in delicate black line, with the fingers held in a symbolic gesture and a decorative Buddhist motif placed at the centre of the palm. Beside it appears the calligraphy 法掌, literally combining 法 (Dharma / Buddhist teaching) and 掌 (palm or hand). The phrase can be understood as evoking the idea of holding, receiving, or expressing the Dharma through one's own hands, giving the image a contemplative and devotional character.
Nikkyo Niwano (1906–1999) was one of the most influential Japanese Buddhist leaders of the 20th century. In 1938, together with Myoko Naganuma, he founded Rissho Kosei-kai, a lay Buddhist movement rooted in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra (法華経).
Niwano became well known not only for his Buddhist leadership but also for his strong commitment to interfaith dialogue, world peace and international religious cooperation. Under his leadership, Rissho Kosei-kai developed into one of Japan's major modern Buddhist organizations.
This shikishi was produced to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of Rissho Kosei-kai (立正佼成会 創立四十周年記念).
Founded in 1938, the organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1978, providing a clear historical context for this piece. It was therefore created not simply as decorative calligraphy, but as a commemorative object connected with an important milestone in the history of modern Japanese Buddhism.
Size: 24 x 27cm
