National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

Daijionji Sanzô Hôshi den (Life of Master Xuanzang of Dacien Temple) represents the most detailed and authentic biography of the great Buddhist translator Xuanzang (602-664, known in Japanese as Sanzô Hôshi, the Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures) Master). Consisting of ten volumes in all, the first five volumes covers his birth, his journey through the western region of China and India, and his return, while the latter five volumes trace his translation activities after his return to China until his death.
Although a red square seal for Kôsan-ji Temple can be seen at the beginning of this handscroll, this volume is recognized as part of the Xuanzang biography of Hôryû-ji Temple (designated Important Cultural Property).