Antique Japanese print depicting the founder of the Shingon or "True Word" school of Buddhism, Kūkai (774-835). He was a famous calligrapher and engineer who invented the kana, syllabic Japanese scripts used in the Japanese writing system. He sits holding prayer beads upon an elaborate lotus throne with lovely gold filligree and a small blue beast sitting below. Kukai has two female attendants at his sides riding upon billowing, heavenly winds, one with her hands clasped in prayer, and one holding a lotus flower. Edo period 18th/19th century Size: 23" height, 11.75" width