National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

Jien (1155–1225) was a high priest of the Tendai sect. At his death, he was given a posthumous honorific name Jichin. His father was Fujiwara Tadamichi and his elder brother was Kujo Kanezane. Jien was also well-known as a poet and participated in the selection and compilation of the Shin Kokin Wakashu (New Collection of Ancient and Modern Poems). He wrote a history book called Gukansho, where he stated his own view of history based on Hieizan Buddhist teachings and held up the court-shogunate combined political system called Kobugattai as the ideal form of ruling while supporting the political position of the Kujo family.

This is a votive statement that Jien dedicated to Kasuga Shrine (Kasugajinja) in August 1224, three years after the Jokyu War. With the war as a turning point, he asked Kasuga Daimyojin (the principal deities of Kasuga Shrine) to help Michiie, grandson of Kanezane, in leading the regency government toward a better future. Jien was 70 years old at this time. His lifetime wish is reflected in his powerful writing. His calligraphy style follows Tadamichi's Hoseiji style and this votive statement clearly shows his high caliber as a calligrapher.