Title: A Selection of Ten Tanzaku Poetry Strips by Nobles and Calligraphers, Including a Student of Shōkadō Shojo, Circa 1600-1660. Illuminated Manuscripts on Paper
Author: Attributed to Date Hidenemune; Nakanoin Michizumi; Nakamikado Nobuyuki; Hodōbō Kōi; Ōinomikado Tsunetaka; Shijō Takane; Others
Condition: Very Good
An Early Edo Period, 17th century selection of ten tanzaku format strips of poetry by various calligraphers and nobles of Japan.
Each strip is written in a fine hand showcasing different brushstrokes and skill, and each piece has been painted and decorated beautifully, nine of the pieces illuminated with gold spray, golden reeds, and floral gatherings in the background.
Each manuscript bears a calligraphy appraisal tag and seal, and several authors can be identified, as followed:
Hodōbō Kōi (?-1669) was a priest at the Hodōbō Temple of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in the early Edo period and lived in the mountains of Hodōbō. He studied calligraphy and painting under Shōkadō Shōjō (1584-1639) and was known as one of his leading disciples. His handwriting has been copied in Shōkadō-style calligraphy manuals such as the "Takimoto Seiryūchō" and "Takimoto Kōchōchō." As his date of birth is relatively unknown, the rough dating of the manuscript is based off another piece of calligraphy by him dated September 1649, or (Keian 2), now held at Keio University (object 1400), and one said to be produced at the prime of his skills.
Shijō Takane (1637-1670) was a head of the Shijo Family, a noble family, court noble , and aristocrat of the Uona branch (Shijo branch) of the Northern Fujiwara clan, going back to the Heian Period.
Oinomikado Tsunetaka (1618-1682) was a court noble in the Early Edo period, and second son of Oinomikado Tsuneyori. In his lifetime he held the rank of Junior First Rank and Minister of the Left, serving four generations of emperors from Emperor Go-mizunoo (the 108th emperor) to Emperor Reigen (the 112th emperor).
Nakamikado Nobuyuki (1613-1664) was a court noble in the Early Edo Period, with little else of significant note other than a rather long government career through various ranks.
Nakanoin Michizumi (1612-1653) was a court noble in the Early Edo Period, also with little else of significant note other than a rather long government career through various ranks.
Date Hidenemune (1591-1658) was a daimyo of the Early Edo Period, first lord of the Uwajima Domain in Iyo Province, and son of the famed Date Masamune, the legendary warrior and daimyo also known as the "One-Eyed Dragon of Ōshū".
Ten tanzaku format strips of decorated and illuminated poetry on paper, 35 x 5.1 cm smallest to 37.6 x 5.8 cm largest
These manuscripts are in very good shape, with minor rubbing and wear to each piece. Four of the strips have minor worm tracks.