Ninomaru Palace

Nijo-jo, Kyoto

This photo shows the carriage entrance of Ninomaru Palace, the Shogun's residence. Ninomaru is noted for its succession of audience rooms, painted by artists of the Kano School, that progresses from intimidating (lions and tigers) through impressive (pines that symbolize the eternity of the regime) to intimate (bird-and-flower paintings). An elaborate carved panel (closeup on next page) is positioned above the lintel.