SIGNED SHIOMI MASANARI, EDO PERIOD (LATE 18TH - 19TH CENTURY)

ROSEI, A COMMONER, HEARD THAT THE EMPEROR OF CHINA NEEDED COUNCILLORS AND SET OUT IN THE HOPE THAT HE MIGHT BE ACCEPTED. ON THE WAY HE MET A RISHI WHO, HEARING HIS COMPLAINTS ABOUT HIS POVERTY AND LACK OF CONNECTIONS GAVE HIM A PILLOW WITH MAGICAL PROPERTIES. THAT EVENING WHILE WAITING FOR HIS MILLET TO COOK HE RESTED ON THE PILLOW AND FELL ASLEEP. HE DREAMT THAT HE BECAME A MINISTER OF STATE AND RETIRED FULL OF HONOURS.