women; men (male humans); swords; trees; kimonos; warriors
Sarashina-hime was the courageous daughter of a retainer to Murakami Yoshikiyo (1501-1573) and was married to the samurai Aiki Morinosuke. Another family member with evil intentions tried to attack Princess Sarashina when she was doing religious...
Narrative; trees; flower (plant material); kimonos; religious symbolism; knives; cuckoos and allies
In the moment before Umegae's death, a cuckoo catches Dainin's attention and perhaps causes him to reflect upon the transience of life. The budding plum tree and the plum flower pattern in Umegae's kimono refer to her name and possible rebirth...
Back to back print. A withered man in tattered robes, with a deadened look on his face, sits in a chair with a candle on his head; he is viewed with shock by a younger man.
In late 6th - early 7th centuries, Japan sent several embassies to China to...
A character in "The Tale of the Heike" and kabuki plays, Mongaku experienced a religious awakening at the age of 19, took vows and entered the life of a wandering ascetic. As an austerity, Mongaku prayed beneath the Nachi waterfalls, standing under...
