Title: The Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang, In Eight Decorated Shikishi Pieces, 1690-1691. A Manuscript Set of Poetry with Calligraphy by Imperial Princes and Nobles of Japan, on Hand Painted, Gold Sheets
Author: Calligraphy by Prince Arisugawa Yukihito; Takatsukasa Kanehiro; Cloistered Prince Takajo; Kujō Sukezane; Konoe Motohiro; Imperial Prince Priest Kōben; Imperial Prince Priest Sondō (Yoshinobu); Prince Shinkei of Ichijo-in
Condition: Very Good
An Early Edo Period, late 17th century manuscript edition of the poetical Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang, based off the famous scenes of the Xiaoxiang region and rivers, although it seems to have incorporated some elements of the Eight Views of Omi as well. A curious combination.
This edition has been beautifully written in fine calligraphy on eight individual sheets of shikishi (poetry paper), all done in gold, with various sprays forming clouds and other shapes to compliment each piece of poetry.
The set is a group collaboration, produced by Prince Arisugawa Yukihito, and seven other members of the Imperial household and nobility. A rather rare calligraphy set representing a gathering of the upper hall.
From the rank inscription on the back, the calligraphy work began around March 1690 (Genroku 3) when Imperial Prince Priest Kōben was appointed at Rinnoji Palace, and December of the same year when the position of Minister of the Left was transferred from Konoe Motohiro to Takatsukasa Kanehiro. It should be presumed that the work was fully completed by August 1691 (Genroku 4) at the latest, when Cloistered Prince Yoshinobu was in seclusion.
The eight princes are nobles represented are as such:
Prince Arisugawa Yukihito was the second son of Emperor Go-Sai. His mother was Seikanji Tomoko. He succeeded his father as Takamatsunomiya when he ascended to the throne. He became a prince in 1669, and in 1672 he changed his name to Arisugawanomiya, and later became the Minister of Ceremonies. He was skilled in waka poetry, calligraphy, tea ceremony, painting, and writing, and was taught calligraphy and irikido by Emperor Reigen. He died in 1699 at the age of 44.
Takatsukasa Kanehiro, a nobleman in the early to mid-Edo period, and son of Takatsukasa Fusasuke. Kanpaku from 1704 to 1707. In 1705 he was ranked as Juichii. He died in 1725 at the age of 67.
Myohō-in Palace Cloistered Prince Takajo, the 10th son of Emperor Go-Mizunoo in the early Edo period. He studied under Prince Takazen Nyudo of Myohō-in Temple in Kyoto, officially becoming a prince in 1650 and succeeded Myohō-in Temple as its head priest. He served as the head priest of Tendai three times and left behind many books on Tendai doctrine. He passed away in 1695 at the age of 56. His works published works include "Sōden Haiyun" and "Hoen Jūrin Shōkei."
Kujō Sukezane, a nobleman in the early and mid-Edo period, and the eldest son of Kujō Kaneharu. In 1711 he was promoted to Junior First Rank, later becoming Minister of the Left, Regent and Head of the Clan, and in 1716 he became Kanpaku. He was fond of painting, and it is said that the painting "The Fifteen Children of Benten" at Jozen-ji Temple in Kyoto was his last work. He passed away in 1729 (Kyoho 14) at the age of 61.
Konoe Motohiro, a nobleman in the early to mid-Edo period, and son of Konoe Hisashi. His mother was Princess Shoshi (his real mother was Yorin-in, a lady-in-waiting to the family). In the first year of the Meireki era, he was ranked as Junior Third Rank. In 1690 (Genroku 3), he became the chancellor and head of the clan, and in 1709 (Hoei 6), he became the Grand Minister and Junior First Rank. Influenced by Emperor Gomizunoo, he excelled in waka poetry, linked verse, painting, and more. He passed away in 1722 (Kyoho 7) at the age of 75.
Rinnojinomiya Kobenhoshinno, the sixth son of Emperor Go-sai in the early to mid-Edo period. He became a disciple of Kokai and entered Bishamon-do in Kyoto. After being proclaimed prince in 1678 (Enpo 6), he became a monk. In 1690 (Genroku 3), he became the head priest of Rinno-ji Temple. He became the head priest of Tendai in 1793 and was reappointed in 1707. He studied painting under Kano Tsunenobu and excelled in calligraphy. He passed away in 1716, aged 48. His works include "Bushu Toeizan Shinken Ruriden-ki."
Imperial Prince Yoshinobu, the ninth son of Emperor Go-sai. He entered Jissoin Temple and was ordained, becoming a head priest. He was promoted to the second rank and appointed as the abbot of Onjoji Temple. He passed away in 1705, aged 45.
Imperial Prince Shinkei of Ichijoin, a prince from the early to mid-Edo period, he was the 14th son of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. His mother was Shinkogimon'in. He became a prince in 1658 and was ordained the following year under Prince Sonkaku of Ichijo-in Temple at Kofuku-ji Temple. In 1665, he became the head priest of both Kofuku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. He excelled in calligraphy and Kano school painting. He died in 1706 at the age of 58. His childhood name was Tomimiya. His secular name was Jojun. His Buddhist name was Hajime Nobutaka. His works include "Yuishiki Sanju Jo Nishiki Ka."
The translated text of the poetry roughly follows as such:
The Xiaoxiang night rain (Jissoin Palace)
The night rain is as silent as the waves that the boat is mooring,
The flat sand and the falling geese (Kujo)
Invited to join in the footsteps of the pine trees, The clouds also move along,
The evening bell at a distant temple (Myohoin Palace)
The money that flows from the mist as the evening approaches, The people nearby hurry along the road,
Clear storm in Mt. Yayama (Motohisa) The peaks rise above from the fierce wind, The clouds of the mountaintop
The snow (Rinnoji Palace) that hangs over the reeds is deep, The colours of the river's horizons are not the same as in the evening
Evening glow in a fishing village (Arisugawa Palace)
The colours of the waves are visible following the setting sun, The hurried sea is dark, the lodge hidden by a tree,
The Toei Autumn Moon, dripping from the water, (Ichijoin Shrine)
The water that lives in autumn is refreshing, and the white waves are drenched in the moon,
The sails return to the distant bay (Takatsukasa)
The eagle is sailing back home before fishing
Eight sheets of gold decorated shikishi (poetry paper), 17.4 x 15.5 cm
These manuscripts are in very good shape, with minor wear and staining to the sheets, and three of the labels being slightly worn and chipped.