A unusual & massive votive offering board for Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The 1500-mile pilgrimage of 33 temples is associated with Kannon (Bodhisattva of Compassion), each temple represented by one painting. The 1300 year old pilgrimage is the oldest pilgrimage in Japan. It is said that the abbot of Hasedera temple, while in a coma, was visited by Emma-o the king of hell who told him to visit all 33 temples. The abbot founded the pilgrimage when he immerged from the coma. This piece was meant as a votive ema plaque and dedicated to Kannon on behalf of a patron's deceased parents' enlightenment. With inscriptions including a dedication, a portion of the Kannon sutra, the patron’s name, the artist, and date. Enkyo Era 6th month, 17th day, 1746 74“ wide x 38” high x 12” deep
