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

To spell out the entire process of how Japan, which had no written language, received written characters from China and how it had been possible for Japan to build up its system that is own of while beneath the strong influence of ancient Korea. At the start of the 8th century, that foreign influence planted the seed for Japanese works such as for instance Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, Man’yoshu additionally the “world of documents from the Shoso-in”. Documents through the Shoso-in are indispensable, preliminary research materials for the study of ancient Japanese history. However, these are generally only displayed into the public on special occasions. You can find few examples in the wonderful world of a collection that is huge of writings preserved in good shape. This is the reason we have been taking on the duty of reproducing in detail that is finest about 800 regarding the Shoso-in documents as one associated with the main project in the main collection. About 250 scrolls have already been produced. When you look at the main exhibition we will display a group of enlarged reproductions.

It really is believed that in ancient Japan, written characters played a big role that is social an instrument of government so that as things that held mystical power to an extent that was not seen in later eras. Using specific examples through the standpoint of “writing, people, and locations”, we would like to illustrate the unique world of written characters – the ecology of written characters – of ancient Japan, which differs from China, where in actuality the characters originated.

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.

Thanks to the discovery of large numbers of archeological materials with written characters in modern times, the problem regarding the ancient written culture common to both Japan and Korea has, in particular, become extremely clear. The entire year of the exhibition is 2002 (Heisei 14), a year that ought to be commemorated for the achievement of good progress in the close relationship between Japan and South Korea. Fortunately, as a result of cooperation that is full various Korean organizations, we have been in a position to borrow several of Korea’s major ancient written materials. This is the first public open exhibition of ancient written materials found in Korea to be displayed in Japan. We hope to compare them to Japanese materials.

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)