Shotoku Riding a Lion c. 16th century

Traditionally attributed to the renowned Japanese artist Ashikaga Yoshitane (1466-1523), this hanging scroll, "Shotoku Riding a Lion," depicts the powerful Prince Shotoku astride a lion, a symbol of strength and authority. The painting, likely from the 16th century, showcases Yoshitane’s signature style of bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors, characteristic of the Muromachi Period. The scroll is housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offering a glimpse into Japanese artistic traditions and the enduring legacy of Prince Shotoku, who remains a significant figure in Japanese history and culture.