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).
In the following years Michizane received numerous important appointments and enjoyed great favor with Emperor Daigo. Michizane's talents and popularity, however, inspired jealousy in the hearts of some fellow aristocrats. At the height of the courtier's career, his chief political rival, Tokihira of the powerful Fujiwara clan, launched a diabolical campaign of slander. Despite the efforts of Michizane's supporters, Tokihira was able to convince Emperor Daigo that Michizane was a traitor and should be condemned to exile on distant Kyushu island.
