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

This missive by Emperor Gonijo (1285-1308) conveys his wish to view the portraits of Confucius and his ten great disciples that was hung in Ministry of Ceremonies' Bureau of Education after their restoration, before they were returned. The honorary wording expressed throughout the letter was directed at Gonijo's father Emperor Gouda. Compared to the bold style of his father, who admired the calligraphy of Kukai (774-835), the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, Gonijo's brushwork appears carefree and magnanimous. As the only existing example of his brushwork, the piece here is invaluable.