Illustrated Miracles of the Kasuga Deity, Volume 12 Scene 3
This scene depicts the dream of Echin (1118–1169), a devout monk from Todaiji Temple who visited Kasuga Taisha Shrine every day. In his dream, Echin sees the third deity of Kasuga Taisha appearing as the bodhisattva Jizo riding in an oxcart. The cart is followed by yellow-robed divine attendants and a number of deer, emphasizing the animals’ connection with the Kasuga deities. As Jizo passes through the sacred torii shrine gate, he tells Echin that Echin’s devotion has been sufficient, and that he is temporarily leaving to give aid to others elsewhere, implying his later return. Stylized mist, a common pictorial device in illustrated handscrolls, gathers around the trees, adding depth to the scene.