The Heian Period had a gorgeous aristocratic culture. Admiration for aristocratic miyabi elegance is still strong among modern-day people as it was during the Edo Period. “The Tales of Ise” and “The Tale of Genji” depicting this exalted world are among the most famous Heian aristocratic literature. They are vivid love stories about Ariwara no Narihira and the life of Hikaru Genji like on a picture scroll. These tales have many waka poems, and they have set a high standard for poems written by later generations.
Shokoku-ji Temple also has the grave of Fujiwara no Teika, a famous and historical figure in waka poetry. Meanwhile, branch temple Jishoin is the family temple for Prince Hachijo Tomohito, famous for founding Katsura Imperial Villa and old and modern poetry traditions. The temple therefore has many treasures related to the Imperial family.
This exhibition shows folding screens painted in the Edo Period depicting the “Tales of Ise” and “Tale of Genji.” Also shown are waka poetry and paintings by the court nobility in the Edo Period. Enjoy the aristocratic culture that was revived in Kyoto during the Edo Period.

Highlight 1Glorious aristocratic folding screen painting from the Edo Period

“The Tales of Ise” and “The Tale of Genji” depicting the aristocratic culture of the Heian Period inspired many creative works produced by later generations. They have taken diverse forms such as folding screens painted with multiple scenes from the tale or crafts painted without the main characters to leave it to the imagination. There are also tea utensils with inscriptions taken from the tales. See the diverse works.

Folding screen with scenes from The Tale of Genji / Tsunenobu Kano’s brush / Shokoku-ji Collection

Highlight 2Renown treasures passed down

Since the medieval period, Shokoku-ji Temple has had many monks from the nobility. Temple documents indicate that these monks still continued seeing Imperial relatives even after entering the priesthood. Especially during the first half of the Edo Period, Go-Mizunoo-in and Shokoku-ji Temples played central roles in cultural recovery, deepening their connection with the nobility. Even when the temple built with donations burnt down, various documents and artifacts still remain today.
Aristocratic culture also deeply permeated the branch temples. The exhibit shows artifacts indicating the influence of the Prince Hachijo family on Jishoin Temple and Fujiwara no Teika’s influence on the branch temples.

Portrait of Prince Toshihito,
first head of the Hachijo-no-miya family
Jisho-in Collection

*The spread of the coronavirus may cancel an event.
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