Friday, January 29, 2010

altered avatar

I made this card using a talisman from Sanbutsuji, a mountain temple in Misasa, Tottori prefecture. I've been several times to the temple, but never up to its famed Nageiredo, a platform-style hall that seems to cling to the side of Mt. Mitoku. The ascetic Enno gyoja is said to have flung the hall into place in 706. This talisman shows the avatar Zao gongen. I confess that what I remember the best about the temple was the little shop nearby, selling local delicacies made from wild vegetables and homemade tofu. Misasa is famous for its radon hot springs. I once had an unforgettable overnight stay in the town.