Departure from Kashima

The painting illustrates Takemikazuchi's departure, marking his transition to residency at Mount Mikasa. The golden circle, suspended from a sakaki tree's branches, contains the five Kasuga kami. This arrangement, along with white paper streamers (indicating purity and the sacredness of the five shrine halls) and blossoming wisteria vines (symbolizing the Fujiwara family), conveys themes of sacred transition and patronage.

Executed during the Nanbokuchō period (1336–92), the painting reflects the artistic sensibilities of its time. The contrast between the dark forest and the luminous golden circle, combined with the meticulous depiction of natural elements (such as wisteria vines and paper streamers), suggests a blend of traditional Japanese motifs with the period's characteristic attention to detail and composition.

While specific details on the painting's history and provenance are not provided, its depiction of a well-documented mythological event and its creation during the Nanbokuchō period situate it within a broader cultural and artistic movement in 14th-century Japan. The inclusion of Nakatomi no Tokifū and his brother Hidetsura, who follow Takemikazuchi to become priests of Kasuga Taisha, highlights the painting's narrative depth and its connection to the religious practices of the time.

Created during the Nanbokuchō period, a time of political division and religious flourishing, the painting may reflect the era's emphasis on Shinto traditions and the influence of powerful families like the Fujiwara. The wisteria, a symbol of this family, underscores their patronage and significance in religious and artistic endeavors.

As a visual representation of a revered mythological event, 'Departure from Kashima' contributes to the enduring narrative of Takemikazuchi's relocation. Its style and themes place it within the broader canon of Nanbokuchō period art, offering insights into the intersection of religious, familial, and artistic practices in 14th-century Japan.