4 " " " Emperor Hanazono (1307-1318) 4
2 " " " Emperor Suko (1348-1352) 2
9 " " " Prince Sadatsune, 8 grandson of the Emperor Suko
14 " " " Emperor Go-Kogon (1352-1371) 14
Absolute accuracy is not claimed for these figures, but they are certainly close approximations. In fact, under the Muromachi Bakufu, every son of a sovereign, except the Prince Imperial, was expected to become a monk. The Ashikaga adopted a similar system and applied it ruthlessly in their own families. In truth, the Ashikaga epoch was notorious for neglect of the obligations of consanguinity. Father is found pitted against son, uncle against nephew, and brother against brother.
ENGRAVING: TILES OF THE DAIBUTSUDEN OF TODAI-JI
ENGRAVING: DECORATION OF TOKONOMA (AN ALCOVE IN A JAPANESE
PARLOUR)—Muromachi Period