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 monument…