Illustrated Legends of the Kitano Tenjin Shrine (Kitano Tenjin engi emaki). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: a: 11 5/16 in. × 22 ft. 7 7/16 in. (28.8 × 689.4 cm)b: 11 5/16 in. × 25 ft. 3/8 in. (28.8 × 763 cm)c: 11 5/16 x 274 1/8 in. (28.8 x 696.3 cm)d: 11 5/16 x 224 15/16 in. (28.8 x 571.4 cm)e: 11 5/16 x 352 3/16 in. (28.8 x 894.5 cm). Date: late 13th century.An ancient Shinto belief that the unpredictable, calamitous forces of nature are animated by tormented human spirits (onryo) underlies the legendary origin of the Kitano Tenjin shrine, dedicated to Sugawara Michizane (845-903). Michizane was a distinguished scholar, poet, and statesman who died in exile, having been slandered by enemies at court.After his death, a series of extraordinary natural disasters and plagues caused the untimely deaths of his detractors. In an attempt to appease his vengeful spirit, he was posthumously pardoned and promoted to high office, but the disasters continued. In 942, Michizane's spirit revealed