Mizukagami

Mizukagami (水鏡, "The Water Mirror") is a Japanese rekishi monogatari. It is believed to have been written in the early Kamakura period around 1195. It is widely credited to Nakayama Tadachika but the actual writer is unknown. It is the third book of the four mirror series.

It deals with the oldest time-period, starting with the legendary Emperor Jimmu and ending with Emperor Ninmyō. It is told by a fictitious old woman who is visited by a bhikkhu while staying at Hase-dera. All the facts are taken from ca. 1150 AD Fusō Ryakki (扶桑略記, Brief History of Fusang) by Kōen, the teacher of Hōnen.

In its modern framework Mizukagami refers to the reflective pool in Japanese gardens, in which can be seen such things as bridges and sakura (cherry blossoms) in its reflection.

See also

• Ōkagami
• Imakagami
• Masukagami

References

• Brownlee, John S. Political Thought in Japanese Historical Writing: from Koyjiki (712) to Tokushi Yoron (1712). Waterloo, ON CA. Wilfrid Laurier Press: 1991 (p. 52).