wannabeanimator:

Studio Ghibli Adapts 12th Century Manga (x)

“Ghibli is known for both original stories and imaginative adaptations of books, but it’s history buffs rather than fiction addicts who might recognize the source material of the new short, which draws on the 12th and 13th century Choju Jinbutsu Giga. The Scrolls of Frolicking Animals are widely considered to be the earliest artistic ancestor of Japanese manga.

The animated adaptation, which reflects the original illustration design and coloring, was commissioned by energy company Marubeni Shin Denryoku in order to promote its strategic shift towards green energy production.”