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Description
A man in black robes with wind-blown hair and holding a staff evokes a storm as lightening flashes about him. Back to back print. As a scholar and poet Michizane (845-902) was the chief advisor to Emperor Uda (867-931, ruled 887-897) but was forced out of office after the emperor abdicated. Accusations of corruption and political intrigues resulted in Michizane's exile to northern Kyushu, where he died declaring his devotion to the emperor and innocence of all charges. In the next few decades, natural disasters in the capital city of Kyoto and the violent deaths of his accusers were attributed to the wrathful spirit of Michizane. In order to placate him, Emperor Murakami (ruled 946-967) restored all rank and honors to Michizane and ordered that a Shinto shrine be established near the imperial palace at Kitano, so that this faithful public servant could continue to safeguard the nation as the god Tenjin. Since 947 the Kitano Temman Shrine has been one of Japan's most important pilgrimage destinations. Poets and calligraphers come to honor Michizane, who was skilled in both Chinese and Japanese verse, and students come to ask his assistance with exams. The biography of Sugawara Michizane and the history of Kitano Temmangu have been popular in Japan for more than 1000 years, inspiring paintings and prints as well as theatrical productions.
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