Explore the Historiographical value of this artwork, Kegon Engi Emaki.
As an everyday narrative art, emakimono usually provide a great deal of information on the life and history of medieval Japan. However, this work differs from others in that it is set in Korea and China, and instead depicts the clothing and architecture of the Tang dynasty. Through its treatment of its religious message and its style, it also offers a special insight into the society and culture of the Kamakura period.Some historians also the link the work with the Jōkyū War (1221), during which Myōe protected ladies of the court; the legend of Zenmyō could have been a springboard to convert them to Kegon Buddhism by providing them with a model of a virtuous woman. In 1223, Myōe erected Zenmyō-ji, a temple in her honour near Kyoto.
Kegon Kamakura period Buddhism ink Myōe Zen Kyoto emakimono Jōkyū War Tang dynasty