Illustrated Legends of the Kitano Shrine (Kitano Tenjin Engi) (detail). Kamakura period (1185–1333), 13th century. Japan. Handscroll; ink and color on paper; 11 3/4 x 28 ft. 3 3/4 in. (29.8 x 863 cm). Fletcher Fund, 1925 (25.224a).
The story of the Kitano Tenjin Engi Emaki opens with the momentous first encounter between the young Michizane, wearing the long locks of a child, and Sugawara Koreyoshi, a highly educated and accomplished courtier from a prominent family. According to legend, Michizane was not born in the usual manner. Instead, he miraculously appeared as a young boy to the Sugawara family. In this scene Michizane and the man who would become his father sit far apart, hesitant and awkward in each other's company, while curious servants peep from behind the curtains.
