Comments - Handsome kakemono or vertical diptych of the noted scholar, poet, and courtier Sugawara no Michizane. After his death, he was deified as Tenjin, the Shinto god of scholarship. Shrines to Tenjin are known as Tenman-gu. The nobleman stands looking calmly ahead, a blossoming plum branch cradled in his arm. He wears an elegant robe with a geometric print over full pants, and has a gray cloth headdress. A wisp of smoke rises from the incense burner on the low red lacquer table before him, and patterned curtains frame the background. A nicely detailed portrait of this revered kami.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1850 - 1870)

Image Size - 28 3/4" x 9 3/4" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. Hole and thinning spot, repaired. Toning, creasing, and soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.