Utilizing digital technology for high-quality printing, a special processing technique called "Scodix" is applied. This involves adding metal foil and transparent resin along the design, creating a three-dimensional, sculptural effect reminiscent of embossing.
Furthermore, silver profiling (edge processing around the illustration) enhances depth and luxury.
Gaku Nakagawa : Illustrator and head priest of a Jodo Shinshu Seizan Zenrinji temple in Kyoto. He is also a member of the illustrator group "Seven Brush Samurai," which is active mainly in the Kansai region. One of his notable works is the bestseller "The Speech of the World's Poorest President," which has sold over 160,000 copies.
"Japanese Mandala" is a work inspired by Mount Koya and features a fusion of Shinto and Buddhist elements. The male and female figures beneath the majestic Dainichi Nyorai, exuding an exotic atmosphere, represent Japanese gods. The large circular mirror supported by sacred Sakaki branches on the back of a divine deer symbolizes "Kasuga Daimyojin." The five Buddhist figures—Manjushri Bodhisattva, Shakyamuni Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai, Jizo Bodhisattva, and Eleven-faced Kannon—each represent the honji-butsu (original Buddhas) of Waka, Ichinomiya, Ninomiya, Sannomiya, and Yonomiya, respectively. The ship in the lower left represents diplomatic missions to Tang (foreign countries), while the dragon god in the lower right represents the legend of Anchin and Kiyohime (Japan). The painting depicts the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, where gods and Buddhas are seamlessly integrated.
The back of the product is affixed with a supervision seal signed by Gaku Nakagawa.