Shōtoku Taishi at Sixteen
Unknown Artist
Shotoku Taishi (about 574-622), prince regent, was attributed with numerous acts of faith in his lifetime, actions often related to the transmission of Buddhism to Japan. The many tales of Prince Shotoku's religiosity make it difficult to confirm the scene being depicted here. This might show a moment when Prince Shotoku, aged 16, dropped to his knees in prayer during a battle between his clan, the Soga, and another clan. This might also relate to another time in Shotoku's life when, again at the age of 16, Shotoku prayed day and night, dressed in full court attire and holding a long-handled incense burner, for the recovery of his sick father Emperor Youmei (reigned 585-87). At his miraculous recovery, the emperor converted to Buddhism.
Credit: Severance and Greta Millikin Collection