Two exhibitions — of court calligraphy and on imperial patronage — run in tandem

The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan (Tokyo), which houses the artistic treasures passed down in the Imperial Household, is running two contrasting if not contradicting exhibitions simultaneously — one featuring classic calligraphy, the other themed on the imperial patronage of Japan’s modern arts.

Court Calligraphy: Celebrated Manuscripts by Legendary Calligraphers

Imperial Patronage of the Arts: Modern Japanese Painting, Sculpture & Decorative Arts

Oct 29 (Tue) – Dec 22 (Sun), 2024

The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan
(East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo)

“Court Calligraphy: Celebrated Manuscripts by Legendary Calligraphers,” one of the two exhibitions that opened on Oct. 29, 2024, features classic calligraphy executed and cherished by members of the imperial court (11th-17th century). Among the 13 items now showcased are the “Collection of Myriad Leaves” (Kanazawa Version) — a copy made by Heian-period (12th-century) calligrapher Fujiwara no Sadanobu of the oldest extant anthology of waka (Japanese poems) — and the “Illustrated Miracles of the Kasuga Deity,” a magnificent set of handscrolls from the Kamakura period (14th century) whose illustrations were rendered by Takashina Takakane, the chief painter of the court at the time. Both writings are designated national treasures of Japan.

The “Imperial Patronage of the Arts: Modern Japanese Painting, Sculpture & Decorative Arts,” the other exhibition now running, highlights works from among those acquired by the Imperial Household in the Meiji-Showa era (late 19th to mid 20th century). “Court Lady,” an ivory carving by modern sculptor Asahi Gyokuzan (1843-1923), is among the works on display.

For details of the exhibition: