Hell Scroll (detail)

This scroll is an example of emakimono or narrative painting in the handscroll format, a tradition that reached its zenith in the twelfth through the fourteenth centuries in Japan. Designed initially for secular themes, emakimono eventually became a format for depicting the spiritual adventures of historical or legendary characters. Narratives recounting confrontations with Buddhist hell and judgment, demons, and torture warned the populace of the consequences of evil behavior. Such themes remained popular until the fifteenth century, when the Zen sect of Buddhism, with its emphasis on meditation, became more prominent in Japanese culture.

In this scroll, the painter used elegant calligraphic sosho (cursive) script and lively illustrations to relate the story of a wealthy prince who was sentenced to hell in punishment for a life of debauchery, but was given a second chance on earth through the pious deeds and prayers of his brother. Failing to make amends, the prince was judged again and sentenced to further rounds of torture in hell.

In the final scene, which follows a long sosho narrative, the prince has been stripped of his robes. He kneels, bound and tethered to a demon, before Emma, Judge of Hell, who is seated at his writing table surrounded by his attendants: one reads the charges brought against the prince, while another points to the right and speaks.