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 (25.224c).
During his journey through the underworld, Nichizo encountered many sacred beings. In this episode, he pays his respects to a bodhisattva, who appears in the guise of a priest surrounded by monks. Nichizo is joined here by Taisei Itoku-ten, who will serve as his guide to the underworld.
