Focus on this artwork and explain the Sōshun version (1304/1307): Yugyō Shōnin Engi-e.
The emakimono based on the Sōshun biography, known as Yugyō Shōnin Engi-e or Ippen Shōnin Ekotoba den, is later than Shokai, from the early 14th century, between 1303 and 1307; only copies remain. These emakimono consist of ten scrolls, but the last six are dedicated to Taa, disciple and successor of Ippen and probably master of Sōshun; the text thus takes the point of view of Taa, rather than that of Ippen. The Sōshun version aims to consolidate Taa's position as Ippen's rightful successor, and presents an idealized and exaggerated view of the school. Unlike the Shōkai version, it clearly had a goal of proselytising, with the aim of converting and teaching poorly educated people. As a result, its composition is simpler and more varied, centred on the anecdotal, ultimately to convey everyday feelings such as humour or emotion, as well as the miraculous. Presumably, the artist was seeking to transmit the Amidist teaching through images, which required stylistic and narrative changes - the characters are, for example, represented taller than in real life to be better identifiable during sermons or e-toki (public sessions of explanation of religious paintings). This version, a rare document from the early days of the school, and intended for the general public, has been more copied than the Shōkai version.In relation to several of their scenes, the various copies of the Sōshun version diverge in the importance given to certain characters or certain details, but the plan remains very similar. The first scroll deals with Ippen's revelation to Kumano and his early conversations about faith in Amida; the second depicts the first nenbutsu he danced, and his sermons to the people during his travels until his expulsion from Kamakura; the third continues with Ippen's voyages accompanied by his numerous disciples; the fourth concerns the end of life and the death of the patriarch; the fifth shows Taa's first sermon to a small local lord and the new hope it arouses among the faithful of the school; scrolls six to nine represent Taa's pilgrimages, sermons and nenbutsu dances, as well as the many miracles (in particular the apparitions of gods and bodhisattvas) punctuating their course; and the tenth scroll features the New Year's ceremony held by Taa in 1303, during which he identifies with Bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteśvara, related to Amida) and introduces himself as the co-founder of the Ji-shū school with Ippen.
Shōkai e-toki Avalokiteśvara nenbutsu Ippen bodhisattva Bodhisattva Kannon Amida emakimono