REKIHAKU anniversary that is 20th Ancient Japanese writing symbols From the Golden Stamp to Documents from the Shoso-in
To spell out the process of how Japan, which had no written language, received written characters from China and just how it had been easy for Japan to develop its system that is own of while underneath the strong influence of ancient Korea. At the beginning of the 8th century, that foreign influence planted the seed for Japanese works such as for example Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, Man’yoshu additionally the “world of documents through the Shoso-in”. Documents through the Shoso-in are indispensable, preliminary research materials for the analysis of ancient history that is japanese. However, these are generally only displayed to the public on special occasions. You will find few examples in the wonderful world of a collection that is huge of writings preserved in good shape. This is why we have been taking on the task of reproducing in detail that is finest about 800 of the Shoso-in documents as you associated with the main project in the main collection. About 250 scrolls have been produced. Within the exhibition that is main will display a small grouping of enlarged reproductions.
It really is thought that in ancient Japan, written characters played a big social role as an instrument of government and as items that held mystical capacity to an extent that has been not present in later eras. Using specific examples through the standpoint of “writing, people, and locations”, you want to illustrate the world that is unique of 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 through the perspective that ancient Japanese society already contained an extensive “characterless world” together with formed its own unique culture of written characters.
Thanks to the discovery of enormous amounts of archeological materials with written characters in recent years, the situation associated with the ancient culture that is written to both Japan and Korea has, in particular, become extremely clear. The year with this exhibition is 2002 (Heisei 14), a year that needs to be commemorated for the achievement of great progress into the relationship that is close Japan and South Korea. Fortunately, as a result of cooperation that is full various Korean organizations, we have been in a position to borrow a few of Korea’s major ancient written materials. Here is the public that is first 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 writing system that is international. However, in Vietnam and Korea today, writing is especially in indigenous scripts. With the exception of China itself, the only other culture using Chinese characters continuing towards the day that is present Japan, which in early stages began writing in a variety 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 this 21st century, it is crucial to fully reconsider what writing was at ancient society.
Therefore, this exhibition is targeted on reproductions of approximately 100 scrolls regarding the Shoso-in documents, artifacts from archeological digs such as for example letters on lacquer lid paper, wooden tablets, and earthenware with ink writings from around the united states, and in addition epigraphs and materials associated with writing as such as implements. And we will combine ancient materials that are written China and Korea to recreate the field of writing in ancient Japan. By looking at writing in these ways, we aspire to paint an accurate image of ancient society.
Exhibited Items
1. From the period when writing came to the Japanese Archipelago
- 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 at the Kanbara Jinja burial mound in Shimane Prefecture)
- Expressions in sound and pictures (bronze bell reproduction and other items)
- Characters written from the second to fourth centuries in the united kingdom of Wa (archeological finds from Oshiro Ruins in Mie Prefecture such as for instance “Hou” (meaning “offering”), “Kou” (meaning “good fortune”) as well as other items)
2. Written culture in ancient Korea
(reproductions of an inscribed pay someone to write my paper curved sword that is long tachi) with single dragon pattern,Josan-Sanjo wooden tablet, Gan’ouchi Pond wooden tablet, Geinichi-Reisuiri monument, as well as other items)
