4) One of the interesting features of the multiple writing systems (or languages) in premodern Japan is that certain languages were used for certain types of text. Classical Japanese (the vernacular), for instance, was used for "tale literature," while Classical Chinese (or kanbun) was used for official documents, certain types of poetry, and religious texts, to name a few. For this question, please compare two illustrated texts--one is of a "tale" (The Tale of the Heiji Rebellion), and the other is a sutra. Note that for the external link, you will need to click on the "interactive viewer." In terms of visual impact, how are these two works different? Even if you can't read the texts, what sort of "energy" does each convey?
Japanese Suiten kyo (Sutra of Varuna, Deity of the Waters) handscroll, ink and color on paper 11 1/4 in x 81 1/8 in (28.6 cm x 206.1 cm) Gift of Harold Phillip Stern, presented in memory of Archibald Gibson Wenley