Buddhas in the West Material Archive
@buddhasinthewest.bsky.social
Exploring the circulation of Buddhist material culture in Western historical media, including prints, photos, ephemera, &c. Digital public scholarship project curated by @peterromaskiewicz.bsky.social.
📜 #buddhasinthewest
🌟 New Posts: Mon, Wed, & Fri.
📜 #buddhasinthewest
🌟 New Posts: Mon, Wed, & Fri.
The temple was noted as being “worth a visit” by the widely circulated third edition of Murray’s Handbook for Travellers in Japan, published in 1891.
Fifty years later, the statue was destroyed by allied firebomb attacks on Kobe in March 1945.
#Buddhasinthewest
Fifty years later, the statue was destroyed by allied firebomb attacks on Kobe in March 1945.
#Buddhasinthewest
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
The temple was noted as being “worth a visit” by the widely circulated third edition of Murray’s Handbook for Travellers in Japan, published in 1891.
Fifty years later, the statue was destroyed by allied firebomb attacks on Kobe in March 1945.
#Buddhasinthewest
Fifty years later, the statue was destroyed by allied firebomb attacks on Kobe in March 1945.
#Buddhasinthewest
Notably, the Japanese caption provides more commentary on the religious relevance of the site than the English.
It notes that Shinkōji was a sacred location where the Buddhist priest Ippen (1239–1289), known for his devotion to the Pure Land, passed away. 4/5
#一遍
It notes that Shinkōji was a sacred location where the Buddhist priest Ippen (1239–1289), known for his devotion to the Pure Land, passed away. 4/5
#一遍
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Notably, the Japanese caption provides more commentary on the religious relevance of the site than the English.
It notes that Shinkōji was a sacred location where the Buddhist priest Ippen (1239–1289), known for his devotion to the Pure Land, passed away. 4/5
#一遍
It notes that Shinkōji was a sacred location where the Buddhist priest Ippen (1239–1289), known for his devotion to the Pure Land, passed away. 4/5
#一遍
Unlike many Japanese postcards of the era, this is not a photomechanical print, but a chemically processed “real photo” postcard likely released in the early 1920s.
the publisher, Sakaeya & Co., was based in Kobe and focused on cards depicting the environs of the bustling port city. 3/5
the publisher, Sakaeya & Co., was based in Kobe and focused on cards depicting the environs of the bustling port city. 3/5
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Unlike many Japanese postcards of the era, this is not a photomechanical print, but a chemically processed “real photo” postcard likely released in the early 1920s.
the publisher, Sakaeya & Co., was based in Kobe and focused on cards depicting the environs of the bustling port city. 3/5
the publisher, Sakaeya & Co., was based in Kobe and focused on cards depicting the environs of the bustling port city. 3/5
Documents record the height of the statue at 4.8 meters (16 feet). It sat atop an elevated pedestal in the middle of a lotus pond which was used as a habitat for rescued turtles.
Behind the plastered wall we see the tiled roofs of the bell tower and main hall. 2/5
Behind the plastered wall we see the tiled roofs of the bell tower and main hall. 2/5
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Documents record the height of the statue at 4.8 meters (16 feet). It sat atop an elevated pedestal in the middle of a lotus pond which was used as a habitat for rescued turtles.
Behind the plastered wall we see the tiled roofs of the bell tower and main hall. 2/5
Behind the plastered wall we see the tiled roofs of the bell tower and main hall. 2/5
The Japanese port city of Kobe was a major tourist hub by the turn of the 20th century.
One of the city’s main attractions was a giant statue of Vairocana Buddha displayed outside the main temple gate of Shinkōji until the complex was destroyed during WWII. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan #真光寺
One of the city’s main attractions was a giant statue of Vairocana Buddha displayed outside the main temple gate of Shinkōji until the complex was destroyed during WWII. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan #真光寺
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
This use of fumi-e continued until 1858 when it was formally abandoned.
To read a scientific analysis of historical paper-made fumi-e, see Montanari et al., "Kami Fumi-e: Japanese Paper Images to Be Trampled on—A Mystery Resolved" (2025), here: www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/...
#buddhasinthewest
To read a scientific analysis of historical paper-made fumi-e, see Montanari et al., "Kami Fumi-e: Japanese Paper Images to Be Trampled on—A Mystery Resolved" (2025), here: www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/...
#buddhasinthewest
November 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This use of fumi-e continued until 1858 when it was formally abandoned.
To read a scientific analysis of historical paper-made fumi-e, see Montanari et al., "Kami Fumi-e: Japanese Paper Images to Be Trampled on—A Mystery Resolved" (2025), here: www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/...
#buddhasinthewest
To read a scientific analysis of historical paper-made fumi-e, see Montanari et al., "Kami Fumi-e: Japanese Paper Images to Be Trampled on—A Mystery Resolved" (2025), here: www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/...
#buddhasinthewest
Unexpectedly, Hurd blames, in part, the proselytizing activities of the Jesuits who still placed importance in Christian icons.
Had they taught the "simple truth, without the use of images," Hurd implies the Japanese may have embraced Christianity, turning away from idolatry altogether. 5/6
Had they taught the "simple truth, without the use of images," Hurd implies the Japanese may have embraced Christianity, turning away from idolatry altogether. 5/6
November 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Unexpectedly, Hurd blames, in part, the proselytizing activities of the Jesuits who still placed importance in Christian icons.
Had they taught the "simple truth, without the use of images," Hurd implies the Japanese may have embraced Christianity, turning away from idolatry altogether. 5/6
Had they taught the "simple truth, without the use of images," Hurd implies the Japanese may have embraced Christianity, turning away from idolatry altogether. 5/6
This image of a horned buddha is placed at the crown of the page as an ornamental embellishment.
William Hurd's New Universal History (1780) copied the main engraving from an older work, but added this detail to help further contextualize the depicted activity as demonic. 4/6
William Hurd's New Universal History (1780) copied the main engraving from an older work, but added this detail to help further contextualize the depicted activity as demonic. 4/6
November 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This image of a horned buddha is placed at the crown of the page as an ornamental embellishment.
William Hurd's New Universal History (1780) copied the main engraving from an older work, but added this detail to help further contextualize the depicted activity as demonic. 4/6
William Hurd's New Universal History (1780) copied the main engraving from an older work, but added this detail to help further contextualize the depicted activity as demonic. 4/6
Stories of this practice circulated in popular European literature, such as Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels (1726) and Voltaire's Candide (1759).
For European Christians, such actions were perceived as a vile act of paganism, reflected in this engraving by a buddha with devil horns. 3/6
For European Christians, such actions were perceived as a vile act of paganism, reflected in this engraving by a buddha with devil horns. 3/6
November 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Stories of this practice circulated in popular European literature, such as Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels (1726) and Voltaire's Candide (1759).
For European Christians, such actions were perceived as a vile act of paganism, reflected in this engraving by a buddha with devil horns. 3/6
For European Christians, such actions were perceived as a vile act of paganism, reflected in this engraving by a buddha with devil horns. 3/6
To ferret out “hidden Christians,” local villagers were forced to commit blasphemy by stepping on icons sacred to Christianity; such objects were called fumi-e, or "images for stomping."
If anyone refused, authorities turned to torture to procure apostasy, or they were killed. 2/6
#隠れキリシタン #踏絵
If anyone refused, authorities turned to torture to procure apostasy, or they were killed. 2/6
#隠れキリシタン #踏絵
November 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
In the 17th century, to uncover suspected Christians, Japanese authorities in Nagasaki forced commoners to step on an image of Jesus or Mary.
As knowledge of this practice spread to Europe, depictions of "treading on the crucifix," appeared in illustrated works by the 18th century. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
As knowledge of this practice spread to Europe, depictions of "treading on the crucifix," appeared in illustrated works by the 18th century. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
November 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
In the 17th century, to uncover suspected Christians, Japanese authorities in Nagasaki forced commoners to step on an image of Jesus or Mary.
As knowledge of this practice spread to Europe, depictions of "treading on the crucifix," appeared in illustrated works by the 18th century. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
As knowledge of this practice spread to Europe, depictions of "treading on the crucifix," appeared in illustrated works by the 18th century. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
This figure is often treated as a visual representation of the Buddha Nature principle, namely, that all living beings have the innate potential to become buddhas.
#buddhasinthewest
#buddhasinthewest
October 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
This figure is often treated as a visual representation of the Buddha Nature principle, namely, that all living beings have the innate potential to become buddhas.
#buddhasinthewest
#buddhasinthewest
Traditionally, this figure is recognized as one of eighteen Awakened disciples of the Buddha, known as arhats, whose lore developed in medieval China.
Each arhat had his own distinctive features and this figure was known as "The Arhat Who Reveals His Heart." 4/5
#開心羅漢
Each arhat had his own distinctive features and this figure was known as "The Arhat Who Reveals His Heart." 4/5
#開心羅漢
October 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Traditionally, this figure is recognized as one of eighteen Awakened disciples of the Buddha, known as arhats, whose lore developed in medieval China.
Each arhat had his own distinctive features and this figure was known as "The Arhat Who Reveals His Heart." 4/5
#開心羅漢
Each arhat had his own distinctive features and this figure was known as "The Arhat Who Reveals His Heart." 4/5
#開心羅漢
The caption presents the icon as a "god of fertility," perhaps due to the curious head set inside the abdomen of the figure.
The placement of two young novice monks adds weight to the perception this icon was the object of prayer for hopeful parents. 3/5
The placement of two young novice monks adds weight to the perception this icon was the object of prayer for hopeful parents. 3/5
October 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The caption presents the icon as a "god of fertility," perhaps due to the curious head set inside the abdomen of the figure.
The placement of two young novice monks adds weight to the perception this icon was the object of prayer for hopeful parents. 3/5
The placement of two young novice monks adds weight to the perception this icon was the object of prayer for hopeful parents. 3/5
Poujade de Ladevèze, the name we see under the front caption, was an early postcard publisher in Saigon who appears in directories by 1908.
Hoping to write home, French colonial soldiers were the primary clientele for postcards; this card was sent to France by an infantry member in 1911. 2/5
Hoping to write home, French colonial soldiers were the primary clientele for postcards; this card was sent to France by an infantry member in 1911. 2/5
October 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Poujade de Ladevèze, the name we see under the front caption, was an early postcard publisher in Saigon who appears in directories by 1908.
Hoping to write home, French colonial soldiers were the primary clientele for postcards; this card was sent to France by an infantry member in 1911. 2/5
Hoping to write home, French colonial soldiers were the primary clientele for postcards; this card was sent to France by an infantry member in 1911. 2/5
The first photos of Saigon, present-day Ho Chi Minh City, were taken by French naval officers during the 1858 French invasion.
The first commercial photography studios in Vietnam opened in Saigon soon afterwards, with some producing intimate views of local Buddhist temple life. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Vietnam
The first commercial photography studios in Vietnam opened in Saigon soon afterwards, with some producing intimate views of local Buddhist temple life. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Vietnam
October 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The first photos of Saigon, present-day Ho Chi Minh City, were taken by French naval officers during the 1858 French invasion.
The first commercial photography studios in Vietnam opened in Saigon soon afterwards, with some producing intimate views of local Buddhist temple life. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Vietnam
The first commercial photography studios in Vietnam opened in Saigon soon afterwards, with some producing intimate views of local Buddhist temple life. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Vietnam
Unfortunately, The Breath of the Gods is now lost and production stills remain the best evidence for set design.
Popular Science ran a short article on the film, showing the construction of a new plaster buddha, is it the same one? Article viewable here: tinyurl.com/3jzhc3rj
#buddhasinthewest
Popular Science ran a short article on the film, showing the construction of a new plaster buddha, is it the same one? Article viewable here: tinyurl.com/3jzhc3rj
#buddhasinthewest
October 28, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Unfortunately, The Breath of the Gods is now lost and production stills remain the best evidence for set design.
Popular Science ran a short article on the film, showing the construction of a new plaster buddha, is it the same one? Article viewable here: tinyurl.com/3jzhc3rj
#buddhasinthewest
Popular Science ran a short article on the film, showing the construction of a new plaster buddha, is it the same one? Article viewable here: tinyurl.com/3jzhc3rj
#buddhasinthewest
I believe not. The cracks in the plaster suggest wear and age, not the process of crafting (see also the broken curls of hair below).
Moreover, a very similar plaster buddha was created for Universal's The Breath of the Gods in 1920, before Hall was hired, starring Tsuru Aoki. 4/5
Moreover, a very similar plaster buddha was created for Universal's The Breath of the Gods in 1920, before Hall was hired, starring Tsuru Aoki. 4/5
October 28, 2025 at 2:48 PM
I believe not. The cracks in the plaster suggest wear and age, not the process of crafting (see also the broken curls of hair below).
Moreover, a very similar plaster buddha was created for Universal's The Breath of the Gods in 1920, before Hall was hired, starring Tsuru Aoki. 4/5
Moreover, a very similar plaster buddha was created for Universal's The Breath of the Gods in 1920, before Hall was hired, starring Tsuru Aoki. 4/5
An inscription dates the photo to 1929. At this time Charles Hall was the art director for Universal, famous for his gothic aesthetic seen in the classic films Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, and Frankenstein.
Was this buddha statue a creation of Hall for a new Universal film? 3/5
Was this buddha statue a creation of Hall for a new Universal film? 3/5
![Image shows a magnifying globe highlighting the inscription, it reads in full: “Carl at Universal Movie Studio’s. “ [Universal] City, Calif. APR. 6, ‘29](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ftj2bmay74kldpsbikim2lnu/bafkreihsmghcihs3io4zcmtpty3v67jpgllhkwnpspy6mvmxlgxclrs7xy@jpeg)
October 28, 2025 at 2:48 PM
An inscription dates the photo to 1929. At this time Charles Hall was the art director for Universal, famous for his gothic aesthetic seen in the classic films Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, and Frankenstein.
Was this buddha statue a creation of Hall for a new Universal film? 3/5
Was this buddha statue a creation of Hall for a new Universal film? 3/5
When Carl Laemmle opened Universal City in 1915, it garnered such public acclaim he decided to make studio tours a permanent attraction.
Here we see a photograph (and duplicate) of the Universal backlot where a visitor sizes up one of the plaster buddhas on display. 2/5
Here we see a photograph (and duplicate) of the Universal backlot where a visitor sizes up one of the plaster buddhas on display. 2/5
October 28, 2025 at 2:48 PM
When Carl Laemmle opened Universal City in 1915, it garnered such public acclaim he decided to make studio tours a permanent attraction.
Here we see a photograph (and duplicate) of the Universal backlot where a visitor sizes up one of the plaster buddhas on display. 2/5
Here we see a photograph (and duplicate) of the Universal backlot where a visitor sizes up one of the plaster buddhas on display. 2/5
The Golden Age of Hollywood expanded the theatrical tradition of set design to create a more immersive world on screen.
Through the 1920s studio art directors built bigger sets and fine Buddhist statuary that was once purchased or borrowed was increasingly made of wood and plaster. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Hollywood
Through the 1920s studio art directors built bigger sets and fine Buddhist statuary that was once purchased or borrowed was increasingly made of wood and plaster. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Hollywood
October 28, 2025 at 2:48 PM
The Golden Age of Hollywood expanded the theatrical tradition of set design to create a more immersive world on screen.
Through the 1920s studio art directors built bigger sets and fine Buddhist statuary that was once purchased or borrowed was increasingly made of wood and plaster. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Hollywood
Through the 1920s studio art directors built bigger sets and fine Buddhist statuary that was once purchased or borrowed was increasingly made of wood and plaster. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Hollywood
The circular insert depicts an uncommon two-story pagoda known as the Many Treasures Pagoda (tahōtō) described in the Lotus Sutra.
This illustration shows the one built at Hachiman Shrine which was destroyed in 1870, several decades before this card was issued.
#buddhasinthewest #多宝塔
This illustration shows the one built at Hachiman Shrine which was destroyed in 1870, several decades before this card was issued.
#buddhasinthewest #多宝塔
October 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The circular insert depicts an uncommon two-story pagoda known as the Many Treasures Pagoda (tahōtō) described in the Lotus Sutra.
This illustration shows the one built at Hachiman Shrine which was destroyed in 1870, several decades before this card was issued.
#buddhasinthewest #多宝塔
This illustration shows the one built at Hachiman Shrine which was destroyed in 1870, several decades before this card was issued.
#buddhasinthewest #多宝塔
The figure in the lower right corner is a crude rendering of a seated buddha.
Pronounced ethnic facial features and flowing silk garments were sometimes used to signify "authentic" Asian religions iconography. 4/5
Pronounced ethnic facial features and flowing silk garments were sometimes used to signify "authentic" Asian religions iconography. 4/5
October 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The figure in the lower right corner is a crude rendering of a seated buddha.
Pronounced ethnic facial features and flowing silk garments were sometimes used to signify "authentic" Asian religions iconography. 4/5
Pronounced ethnic facial features and flowing silk garments were sometimes used to signify "authentic" Asian religions iconography. 4/5
Guérin-Boutron was a luxury Parisian chocolatier and early adopter of chromolithographed trade cards, creating this set of worldwide nations and cities in the early 1900s.
The printer, Vieillemard Fils & Cie., was a premier lithographer for major French trade card producers of the era. 3/5
The printer, Vieillemard Fils & Cie., was a premier lithographer for major French trade card producers of the era. 3/5
October 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Guérin-Boutron was a luxury Parisian chocolatier and early adopter of chromolithographed trade cards, creating this set of worldwide nations and cities in the early 1900s.
The printer, Vieillemard Fils & Cie., was a premier lithographer for major French trade card producers of the era. 3/5
The printer, Vieillemard Fils & Cie., was a premier lithographer for major French trade card producers of the era. 3/5
The mystery figure on the left edge is a Chinese puppeteer; distinctions between China and Japan often dissolved under the umbrella of "the Orient."
Such imagery had circulated in Europe since the late 18th century through southern Chinese export paintings depicting popular Chinese occupations. 2/5
Such imagery had circulated in Europe since the late 18th century through southern Chinese export paintings depicting popular Chinese occupations. 2/5
October 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The mystery figure on the left edge is a Chinese puppeteer; distinctions between China and Japan often dissolved under the umbrella of "the Orient."
Such imagery had circulated in Europe since the late 18th century through southern Chinese export paintings depicting popular Chinese occupations. 2/5
Such imagery had circulated in Europe since the late 18th century through southern Chinese export paintings depicting popular Chinese occupations. 2/5