Sonyō-in's ceiling painting (祈りの天井画), a prayer rendered in vivid colours, was created by the artist 'mais' (マイス).

Chestnut tiger butterflies (アサギマダラ), thanks to their long migration, have become symbols of perseverance.
Here they silently protect worshippers.

#Sonyoin #butterflies #Buddhism #mais #autumn #chestnuttigerbutterflies #Kyoto #Japan

🦋BUTTERFLIES🐛

Last August Sonyō-in (尊陽院), a sub-temple of Honpō-ji (本法寺), unveiled its stunning new ceiling.

not yet a butterfly
even as autumn passes
the caterpillar
秋を経て蝶もなめるや菊の露
-Matsuo Bashō (松尾芭蕉)
Trans. Reichhold.

#Japan #butterflies #蝶々 #Kyoto #京都 #Sonyoin #尊陽院 #Honpoji #本法寺