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 (25.224d).
At the climax of his fantastic voyage, Nichizo encounters Emperor Daigo and his three servants, who suffer the heat of the flames and the attacks of black birds. The repentant emperor tells Nichizo how to pacify Michizane's angry spirit. After the interview, in a scene no longer included in this scroll, the priest returns to the human realm and reports his experience to the imperial court.
