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 (25.224b).
The next scene reveals the somber burial scene. While en route from Kyushu back to Kyoto, the bull drawing the carriage bearing Michizane's body suddenly stops and refuses to proceed further. The attendants interpret this as a divine message and decide that Michizane's spirit wishes the body to be buried in that exact spot. The servants, weeping over the loss of their beloved master, are barely able to contain their anguish while they dig the grave. The weeping willow tree echoes the mournful mood.
