Jinnoji Engi (Legends of the founding of Jinnoji Temple)

This painting, now mounted as a hanging scroll, was originally part of a long narrative handscroll. The scroll narrated the founding legend of Jin’oji Temple (now known as Konoji), its destruction, and eventual reconstruction. In this segment a monk named Konin searched for the abandoned holy site in a hilly locale near Osaka. From right to left, it shows Konin being led by a green bull he encounters toward the dilapidated temple. After meditating in the mountain shrine near a waterfall, Konin has a vision of a divine being who urges him to rebuild the temple.

Konin appears here four times in a single landscape setting. Each time he is identified by a small blue label. The device of repeating the central figure helps us follow his footsteps as he proceeds through the story. This particular section is notable for its excellent state of preservation and exceptionally rich detail.