The Ritual Narration of Mortuary Art: The Illustrated Story of Emperor Antoku and Its Etoki at Amidaji

This article recovers the memorial and placatory function of the Illustrated Story of Emperor Antoku and its etoki (picture-explaining) at Amidaji, the non-extant mortuary temple for the tragically killed Antoku and the Taira. After discussing the content, date, and authorship of the Illustrated Story, this article reconstructs the ritual context and structure of the etoki, and the meaning of each component of this ritual-location, facility, narration, and the paintings. By embedding these meanings into the entire structure of the ritual, the article reveals that Amidaji's etoki was expected to commemorate, pacify, and help the spirits of Antoku and the Taira to attain rebirth in Amida's Pure Land. This study calls for a shift in our view of etoki, from a practical tool to a ritual practice also guided by spiritual purposes, thereby emphasizing the significance of mortuary art as a central medium in spirit pacification.