Enichibo Jonin

JAPAN; Kamakura period

Enichibo Jonin was a monk and artist, as well as a disciple of the well-known Kamakura period (1185–1333) monk, Myoe. According to Origin of Kozanji Temple, most of Enichibo’s paintings were related to Kozanji Temple, including an image of Myoe. His paintings are vibrant with soft strokes and light-colored ink, depicting the spirit and enchantment of the image being rendered. His painting style was distinctively influenced by paintings of the Song dynasty (960–1279).
Two paintings attributed to Enichibo, Myoe and Patriarchs of the Kegon School, are currently kept at Kozanji Temple, and have been listed as National Treasures. In the Scroll 3 of the latter artwork, he portrayed the story of Kegon patriarch, Uisang, returning to Korea for his studies, and Miaoshan, a Tang dynasty lady who greatly admired him. The painting depicts Miaoshan jumping into the sea and transforming into a naga to safeguard the voyage. The Scroll 2, known as Wonhyo, shows an imperial ambassador traveling to China in quest for medicine to cure the consort, who is seriously ill. The dragon deity guides him as he works his way towards the palace at the bottom of the sea, when suddenly, a monstrous fish believed to be the sea monster, makara, emerge from the waves.