Invocation Sheet (Nembutsu) c. 1612

Curator: Here we have an Invocation Sheet, or Nembutsu, traditionally attributed to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Editor: It’s quite mesmerizing, isn't it? The repetition of the characters gives it an almost hypnotic quality. Curator: Absolutely. Nembutsu refers to the practice of chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha, and this sheet would have been used in that devotional practice. Consider the socio-political power Ieyasu held; such an act of devotion humanizes him. Editor: Visually, the repeated characters evoke a sense of ritual and the continuous seeking of enlightenment through incantation. The blurring of the lines between text and image hints at the power of language as both symbol and sound. Curator: Indeed. The physical act of writing, repeating the mantra, transformed the paper into a conduit for spiritual practice. It underscores the role of art in shaping religious expression and how leaders use these expressions to solidify their public image. Editor: Looking at it now, I see this piece not just as a historical artifact, but as a testament to the enduring human need for solace and meaning.