Outline of Exhibition
Period of exhibition | Tuesday, October 18 to Sunday, November 27, 2005/td> |
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Exhibition site | Special Exhibition Galleries [ Access ] |
Admission fee | Included in general admission fee [ Introduction To The Museum ] |
Sponsors | National Museum of Japanese History and the National Institute of Japanese Literature |
Support | The Association of Waka Poetry Studies |
Description
"Poetry" has wide-ranging "powers". From the middle of the Heian period when the "Kokin Waka Shu" (Collection of Ancient and Modern Waka) was compiled, waka (Japanese poems) were frequently recited at the Imperial court. However, waka was not simply a cultural accomplishment, it was a profession, ranking alongside Chinese poetry and ancient court music, accorded a political role for serving imperial court rituals. The families that took on this profession passed down the art forms and techniques of Japanese poetry from one generation to the next. For centuries, together with Chinese poetry and ancient court music, Japanese poetry was a highly esteemed "art form" that the emperor, the center of court rituals, was expected to acquire.
From the Middle Ages through to the Early Modern period, waka became established in wider circles that included warriors, priests and the rural elite living in the nation's political center, or bakufu, as well as more distant regions. Personal networks were formed centered on waka, which gave rise to a new system of political and economic interchange between the imperial court and bakufu and the regions.
Waka also had a profound impact on works of art and dress, giving birth to many exquisite pieces taking themes found in waka. We may also consider the power of poetry from this perspective.
This exhibition provides visitors an opportunity to see these various powers of poetry through materials such as books from the family of His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu held in the Museum's own collection.
Exhibition Talk
A talk on the exhibition will be given every Sunday for the duration of the exhibition.
(October 23, October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20, November 27)
Photos
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