Printed in 1085: The Chinese Buddhist Canon from the Song Dynasty

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles offers a rare opportunity for the public to view the earliest printed book in its extensive collection (29 April–4 December). At more than 900 years old, the Song Dynasty Scripture of the Great Flower Ornament of the Buddha is part of the 5,850-volume Chongning Canon, which presents a vision of the universe according to the Cosmic Buddha. Artisans at the Dongchan Temple in Fuzhou used some 165,000 woodblocks to create the text – one of the largest printing projects in the history of imperial China. The display explores the historical and religious significance of the book, which is one of the longest sutras in the Buddhist canon and contains doctrines and ritual practices that are widely followed throughout East Asia. Find out more on the Huntington’s website.

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Extended view of panels from Scripture of the Great Flower Ornament of the Buddha (c. 1085), unknown author. Photo: © Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens

Panel from Scripture of the Great Flower Ornament of the Buddha (c. 1085), unknown author. Photo: © Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens

Front cover of Scripture of the Great Flower Ornament of the Buddha (c. 1085), unknown author. Photo: © Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens