Introduction
Saigyo (西行) was a Japanese poet and calligrapher active from the late Heian to early Kamakura periods. Let’s take a closer look at his life, places associated with him, and works of calligraphy.
Saigyo’s Life
Saigyo (Saigyo Monk, 1135-1212) is known as a poet and monk who renounced worldly life and embarked on a journey of ascetic practice. From his early childhood, he showed great talent for poetry, and left behind numerous masterpieces from the late Heian to the early Kamakura period (1192-1333). His poems struck a chord with many people for their rich emotional expression and deep insight into human life. His real name was Sato Norikiyo (佐藤義清), and although he was a samurai by birth, he became known as Saigyo after his ordination. His life was full of travel and poetry, and he produced many outstanding waka poems through his contact with nature and people wherever he went.
Places Associated with Saigyo
One of the most famous places associated with Saigyo is Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. Saigyo spent the last years of his life at Tenryuji Temple. He lived a life of asceticism and poetry, and left behind many poems and writings. The beautiful nature of Arashiyama and the quiet atmosphere of the temple must have nurtured his poetic sentiments and quietly soothed his mind. His poems and calligraphy are on display at Tenryuji Temple, where his spirit can still be felt today.
Saigyo’s Works
One of the oldest paintings Saigyo is said to have written is the “中務集 (Naka-tsukasa Collection)”. It is said to be a late work written by Saigyo when he was 60 years old. It is a neat and elegant piece of kana calligraphy. Another famous work by Saigyo is “一条摂政集 (Ichijo-sessho-shu)”.
Saigyo is also a representative poet. Many of his poems are included in ”Ogura Anthology of One Hundred Tanka Poems (小倉百人一首)” and ”Shinkokin Wakashu (新古今和歌集)”. One of Saigyo’s representative waka poems is “ねがわくば花の下にて春死なんそのきさらぎのもち月のころ(Negawaku ba hana no shita nite haru shinan sono kisaragi no mochi tsuki no koro)”. This poem describes his desired final state: “I wish to die on a spring day when cherry blossoms are in bloom. Just around the time of the Mochigetsu of Kisaragi (February).” This poem symbolizes Saigyo’s love of cherry blossoms and his desire to be one with nature. The poem also illustrates how Saigyo expressed the beauty of nature in his calligraphy.
Places to View Saigyo’s Works
Saigyo’s calligraphic works can be viewed primarily at temples, art museums, and other cultural institutions in Kyoto City. Tenryuji Temple and other temples display his calligraphy and poems, allowing visitors to appreciate their artistic and historical value. In addition, museums such as the Kyoto National Museum and the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art exhibit Saigyo’s calligraphy. Seeing his poetic handwriting up close will deepen your understanding of his art.
Saigyo’s calligraphic works are a fascinating fusion of his poetic sentiment and technique, and continue to move and inspire many people today. Through his life and works, we can glimpse the depth of his inner poetic sentiment and art.
Conclusion
Saigyo left his mark on the world of calligraphy as well as his poetic poetry. Through his life and works, we can feel the fusion of his inner poetry and art. His works continue to convey their beauty and depth to many people today.
The beauty and depth of his work continues to be conveyed to many people even today.
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