Written in the hand of Emperor Go-Sai
Early Edo period (17th century)
Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Yamagata Prefecture
Donated by the Homma family
Emperor Go-sai (1637-85) was the eighth son of Emperor Go-Mizunō and the 111th emperor. He rose to this most exalted of stations upon the sudden death of his older brother, Emperor Go-Kōmyō. He liked academics, and was gifted in the writing of poems and documents, and also lent his hand to the copying of ancient documentation.
This piece was gifted by Mikkaichi Tayūjirō of Ise (Mie Prefecture) to the third generation head of the Homma family, Homma Mitsuoka. The box in which the piece is stored contains a note of authentication in Mitsuoka’s own handwriting, stating “not to be displayed unless during celebratory worship.” The piece has been carefully handed down by members of the Homma family from generation to generation.