Court Calligraphy: Celebrated Manuscripts by Legendary Calligraphers｜Imperial Patronage of the Arts: Modern Japanese Painting, Sculpture & Decorative Arts

Court Calligraphy: Celebrated Manuscripts by Legendary Calligraphers

The Heian period (794–1185) is considered a golden age in the history of Japan’s imperial court. The tastes and pursuits of the highest-ranking courtiers at the time laid the foundations for centuries of court culture that followed, with special emphasis given to the interests of the Imperial Family and the Fujiwara regent line. These elite nobles were well versed in Chinese and Japanese classics and viewed exceptional calligraphy as a mark of refinement.

Court calligraphy can broadly be divided into purely aesthetic works and everyday bureaucratic texts, such as letters, documents, and missives. In this exhibition, decorative masterworks are displayed alongside examples of more practical court documents to allow visitors to compare these contrasting styles.

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

While having played a key role in protecting Japan’s cultural heritage, the Imperial Household was also instrumental in supporting artists in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Imperial visits to art exhibitions helped attract public interest and the Imperial Family was also known to purchase works through the Imperial Household Ministry, further invigorating the art world.

This exhibition presents works the Imperial Family acquired at art exhibitions held from the late nineteenth to mid-twentieth century. They include many autumn-theme paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. The Museum is excited to present these pieces from a lesser-known chapter in Japanese modern art history and tell the extraordinary story of the Imperial Household’s behind-the-scenes support.