Takaya Miou
Brilliance, p. 5
Japan, 2000

Drawing (genga), ink and screen-tone on Kent paper
Collection of the artist (L.2016-16.32–33)
© Takaya Miou, 2000

The following is an English translation of the Japanese text that appears in the published form of these pages.

When she died and returned, she was cleansed, placed before the Imperial guards, and inspected for wounds, which would show what she would need to strive for in her next life.
Without exception, every spirit lacked something. Can you imagine how much the Emperor longed to view a soul in a state of beautiful perfection?