Kozuka with Buddhist chant

[AdamH]

I recently came across the below Kozuka at an estate sale, but I know very little about it.  I understand that the characters refer to the Buddhist chant - nam myoho renge kyo. 

I have not seen many Tosogu with the full chant such as this.  There are no signatures on this piece, but I was hoping someone could lead me in the right direction.  I am interested in selling, but uncertain as to the potential value.  The condition and quality seem quite good.  Any feedback would be welcomed.

 

[Bugyotsuji]

It might be worth reading the Lotus Sutra to get a feeling for why the artisan might have chosen the subject. Personal belief, talismanic protection for the owner, the ability to sell his creation?

 

The 'value' will also hang on the popularity of such a subject within the continental United States, if that is where you are selling it. With only one side visible, it is hard to make any accurate judgement, but I am guessing it would be worth at least $300 or $400 to someone and quite possibly more.

[AdamH]

8 hours ago, Bugyotsuji said:

It might be worth reading the Lotus Sutra to get a feeling for why the artisan might have chosen the subject. Personal belief, talismanic protection for the owner, the ability to sell his creation?

 

Piers,  Its funny you mention this.  After you helped with the translation, I did some research on the Lotus Sutra and it sparked some interest.  I even purchased a book "Orally Transmitted Teachings" to learn more about Nichiren Buddhism.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo being the focal point of his teachings.  

[Bugyotsuji]

That knowledge will surely add cachet!!! 
Did the Kozuka choose you?

[AdamH]

1 hour ago, Bugyotsuji said:

That knowledge will surely add cachet!!! 
Did the Kozuka choose you?

 

One thing can be said. The Kozuka opened up a curiosity outside of the item itself.  I am not sure if this is "choosing me", but it definitely is leading me down an interesting path. 

[SteveM]

Very nice piece. Anything on the back? 

[AdamH]

Here is a view of the back side.  

[rkg]

I got a tsuba not too long ago with this chant on it. 

 

南無妙法蓮華教, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō

I posted to FB. and in the sprit of passing along useful info, Tom helm was kind enough to translate the inscription to common kanji so I could make heads or tails of it, and David Stiles was kind enough to offer this information:

" basically is the core chant or central mantra of the Nichiren Sect of Japanese Buddhism. When chanting it you are expressing faith in the teachings of Lotus Sutra and its interpretation by the Kamakura Period Monk Nichiren"

 

Obligatory image:

 

Best,

rkg

(Richard George

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Interesting article and comments below about Tina Turner and her involvement with Buddhism, Nichiren, and Soka Gakkai.

 

How the practice of Nichiren Buddhism sustained Tina Turner for 50 years - Japan Today

[SteveM]

Nitpicking, apologies. 

 

南無妙法蓮華経