The Enigmatic Legacy of Shūtoku: Chronicler of a Transformative Prince Shūtoku remains a figure shrouded in the mists of Japanese history, less a distinct artistic personality and more a dedicated chronicler—or perhaps a collective of artists—responsible for preserving the legend of Prince Shōtoku (574–622). While biographical details concerning Shūtoku himself are virtually nonexistent, his enduring importance stems from the monumental task he undertook: visually narrating the life and achievements of one of Japan’s most revered historical figures. To understand Shūtoku is to understand the…