Hell Scroll, Buddhist scroll in Tokyo National Museum, Japan
Hell Scroll is a Buddhist manuscript on paper that depicts seven different hellish realms through detailed color illustrations. The long horizontal format displays various torments and suffering across its entire length, arranged as a continuous narrative scene.
This work originated during the 12th century Heian period, a flourishing era for Buddhist art in Japan. It remained at Daishō-in Temple for centuries before moving to private ownership during the Meiji era and eventually becoming part of the national collection.
The scroll teaches Buddhist morality through vivid depictions of hellish realms, showing visitors how different wrongdoings lead to specific sufferings in the afterlife. These illustrations once helped believers understand the spiritual consequences of their choices.
The scroll is displayed in a climate-controlled room at the museum to preserve the delicate paper and pigments. Visitors should check current exhibition schedules beforehand, as precious artworks of this age are often rotated out for conservation purposes.
Each section opens with the phrase 'There is yet another hell' before describing the specific misdeeds that condemn souls to that realm. This repetitive structure creates a powerful psychological effect that helped viewers internalize moral lessons.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
