REKIHAKU anniversary that is 20th Ancient Japanese writing symbols From the Golden Stamp to Documents from the Shoso-in

This exhibition would like to expand on a premise from the perspective that ancient society that is japanese contained an extensive “characterless world” along with formed its own unique culture of written characters.

Writing (kanji characters) originating from China and spread throughout East Asia, where it long reigned as an international writing system. However, in Vietnam and Korea today, writing is primarily in indigenous scripts. Except for China itself, the actual only real other culture using Chinese characters continuing towards the present day is Japan, which in the beginning began writing in a mix of Chinese and native characters

However, it cannot be said that the continuing future of the culture of Chinese characters in Japan is secure. In considering the written culture of the 21st century, it’s important to fully reconsider what writing was in ancient society.

Therefore, this exhibition is targeted on reproductions of about 100 scrolls associated with the Shoso-in documents, artifacts from archeological digs such as letters on lacquer lid paper, wooden tablets, and earthenware with ink writings from around the united states, and in addition epigraphs and materials linked to writing as such as implements. And we will combine ancient materials that are written China and Korea to recreate the world of writing in ancient Japan. By looking at writing within these ways, we aspire to paint an picture that is accurate of society.

Exhibited Items

1. Through the period when writing came to the Japanese Archipelago

1. Written materials from China (reproduction regarding the seal that is golden ofKan no wa no na no koku ou”, reproduction of inscribed mirror from Keisho 3 from excavations in the Kanbara Jinja burial mound in Shimane Prefecture)
2. Expressions in sound and pictures (bronze bell reproduction and other items)
3. Characters written from the second to fourth centuries in the Country of Wa (archeological finds from Oshiro Ruins in Mie Prefecture such as for instance “Hou” pay for essay (meaning “offering”), “Kou” (meaning “good fortune”) as well as other items)

2. Written culture in ancient Korea

(reproductions of an inscribed curved sword that is long tachi) with single dragon pattern,Josan-Sanjo wooden tablet, Gan’ouchi Pond wooden tablet, Geinichi-Reisuiri monument, along with other items)