National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

This is a written prayer that Fujiwara no Sadako (1196 - ?), wife of Dajo Daijin (Chancellor of the Realm) Saionji Saneuji, offered in October 1282 at a ceremony she held in the hope for the repose of her own soul after death. It is written in an elegant style on a piece of paper where flowers, butterflies, and birds are represented with gold and silver leaf paste. 　　　
Sadako was a daughter of Gondainagon (the second highest officer in the Court) Fujiwara no Takahira and three years after she offered this prayer, her 90th birthday was celebrated in grand style at Kitayamadai. Kitsushi (Omiyain), daughter of Saneuji and Sadako, became Chugu (empress) of Emperor Gosaga and gave birth to Emperors Gofukakusa and Kameyama.