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As we work with the scrolls it is very clear that although the Samurai hunting the Ogres are at the top of their game, they cannot succeed without divine support. They are repeatedly shown holding Buddhist rosaries to ensure their safety, and consult various priests and sages as to their best plan of attack.
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| A detail of rosaries on scroll |
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| A selection of rosaries, Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto. |
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| Studio rosary and Ibota wax |
Here in the studio we also use some glass Buddhist rosaries. These are used to burnish the final linings on the back of scrolls which not only polishes the paper but also increases the suppleness of the finished scroll.
These are traditionally used in conjunction with a very light coating of ibota wax - made from the secretion of an insect that infests the ibota (privet) plant. The same wax is used to protect Japanese swords and is also used to reduce friction when playing old '78s with fibre needles !
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