Title: Hioki-ryū-sho makimono (Heki-ryū Scroll), 1605. An Early Illuminated Handscroll on the Martial Art of Archery, and the Hyki-ryu School, with Golden Illustrations
Author: Instructor or Follower of the Heki-ryū School
Condition: Very Good
An Early Edo Period, early 17th century handscroll of beautifully painted and decorated calligraphy, being a handscroll on the martial art of archery, and more specifically, for the Hyki-ryu School of Archery. The school was first established by Heki Danjo Masatsugu in the 15th century, who studied the ancient Itsumi-ryu style. Heki Danjo Masatsugu is said to have lived in the Muromachi period (late 15th century), but there are various theories about his identity, including that he was described as an incarnation of a god or Buddha, or that he was the same person as Yoshida Kozukenosuke Shigekata, the founder of the Heki Yoshida-ryu style, but the most popular theory is that he is a fictional character. The style was based the battlefield archery and has been continuously practiced in various parts in Japan up till the present day.
There is a colophon at the end for the era and year of Keicho 10, or 1605. The author’s name is difficult to make out.
The handscroll is produced on fine torinoko paper, and the paper has been beautifully hand-painted and decorated, with golden flowering illustrations and clouds throughout.
The scroll has been bound with protective covers.
One handscroll of decorated manuscript calligraphy on paper, 14 x 375 cm
This manuscript is in very good shape, with minor rubbing and wear to the protective cover, and both knobs lacking. There are a few small creases throughout, and three small near the beginning and at the lower margins, one slightly larger. There are a few, tiny worm tracks at the beginning.