The 1830s woodblock print shown here depicts Senzoku Pond in a southwestern suburb of Edo that is now part of Ota Ward, Tokyo.
A sudden rain falls fast, ruffling the surface of the pond. While those who are prepared for changeable weather, clad in raincoats or wearing hats, pace away undisturbed, less fortunate monks and porters take refuge in a thatched tea house, looking up nervously at the sky.
The large, gnarled pine spreading its branches over the pond is a famous tree named Kesa-kake matsu ("the robe-hanging pine") after a legend relating to Nichiren (1222-82), founder of the Nichiren Sect of Buddhism. It is said that the saint stopped by the pond and hung his robe on the pine while he washed his muddy feet and refreshed himself after a 11-day trek from his base at Mount Minobu.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.