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 this scene, Michizane and his entourage are shown on their sea journey into exile. When they encounter rough seas, his companions become wretched and ill, and the women cower beneath the deck of the rickety ship. Michizane, meanwhile, sits alone at the stern, pondering his fate and lamenting his banishment from court.
