Overview
The Scroll of Writings attributed to Fujiwara Yukinari is a scroll believed to contain calligraphy by Fujiwara Yukinari, a renowned calligrapher during the mid-Heian Period. This volume compiles several pieces: excerpts from the “Collected Works of Bai” (poems by the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi), drafts of letters addressed to officials in Yuezhou, and large characters written using Hihaku-tai (a technique involving broken, dry brush strokes). It is currently housed at Hōon-ji Temple in Kyoto and is designated a National Treasure for its outstanding representation of Heian Period calligraphy.
Historical Background
The mid-Heian Period marked a significant shift in Japanese art. Calligraphy moved away from the dominant Chinese style (Tang influence) toward Wayō (Japanese style), which was based on unique Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. Fujiwara Yukinari, alongside Ono no Michikaze and Fujiwara Sari, is counted among the “Three Great Calligraphers” (Sanseki) and is considered a master of Wayō. His calligraphic style was passed down through the “Sesonji School,” becoming the standard for calligraphy in court society. This scroll provides invaluable insight into that era—a time when refined aristocratic culture flourished. It shows Yukinari’s unique, elegant style developing while being influenced by his predecessors, such as Ono no Michikaze.
Features and Appeal
This work preserves the evolution of calligraphic styles favored by Heian nobility and showcases the elevated brushwork attributed to Yukinari. Its key features include:
- Diverse Scripts and Techniques: A major feature is the combination of poetic passages from the “Collected Works of Bai” written in flowing cursive script, alongside specialized Hihaku-tai techniques that create a dry, broken effect using a brush.
- Harmony of Strength and Grace: Compared to later standardized Wayō (the Sesonji School), the piece displays a vibrant energy resulting from the fusion of Tang-influenced power and Japan’s unique, fluid sensibility.
- Rawness of Draft Letters: The letters addressed to officials in Yuezhou are particularly appealing because they differ from polished copies. They convey the writer’s natural rhythm and free hand movements. These drafts reflect Yukinari’s sincerity and high dignity.
- Historical Value: As a transmitted work by one of the Sanseki, it is a primary historical source of immense academic value in calligraphic history. It directly conveys the spiritual culture of the Heian Period, especially concerning the reception of the “Collected Works of Bai.”
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)