Exhibition Outlines

No.25 Konoe Iehiro -A Pursuit of Elegance- (2001/7/7 - 2001/9/9)

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Konoe Iehiro

Konoc Iehiro (1667-1736) was a man of culture who acted in important posts within the Imperial Court from the end of the 17th century to the beginning of the 18th century, such as the regent of Emperor Nakamikado. It was a period when the court culture was gradually declining while respecting tradition. Iehiro was the 21st head of the Konoe family, the top of the five regent families, which started with Fujiwara-no Kamatari, and is represented by Fujiwara Michinaga, who was at the height of Prosperity during the Heian period. The head of the Konoe family was successively the top of the official posts within the court, and the leader at court conferences. The result of their positive activity towards art and literature throughout history are among the 200,000 pieces of cultural property such as old records and books passed down within the Konoe family, which are stored within the Yomei Bunko library.

Within this environment, Iehiro showed superior talent in calligraphy and painting at an early age, was erudite favoring studies, and well versed in the arts of tea, flower arranging, and incense, making him the leading person among court culture. Our collection includes pieces of Iehiro’s Outstanding Callligrapy. Waka (31 syllable Japanese Poems) and kanseki (classic Chinese books) are elegantly written in kana  (Japane syllabary), sosho (cursive style characters), and kaisho (square style characters) with his unique style having studied the Jodaiyo (Old style). Furthermore, Iehiro’s note of authentication on the boxes and beautiful mountings among the old calligraphy masterworks that were presented to the Imperial family by the Konoe family in 1878, show his attitude in collecting such objects. Also, the screen painting by the painter serving Iehiro, Watanabe Shiko (1683-1755), is also exhibited, showing Iehiro’s deep interest in paintings.

Iehiro’s relics have a calm beauty and a dignified refinement. Whether calligraphy or painting, the elegance he relished continuously contained his spirit of inquiry.

In this exhibition, we shall introduce a part of Iehiro’s cultural activity and reconsider its importance.