Overview

Emperor Gofushimi (1288-1336, r. 1298-1301), whose given name was Tanehito and posthumous name, Rikaku, was the first son of Emperor Fushimi (1265-1317, r. 1287-98). In this letter, he expresses opinions about a trip out of the imperial palace and about an argument by Yamamomo Kaneyuki (1254-?) and Yamamomo Kanetaka (n.d.) regarding hichiriki, a court music instrument. Judging by the content, the recipient was probably the court noble Saionji Sanekane (1249-1322). Ink traces on the second sheet further reveal that it was originally composed of a honshi ("main section") and a raishi ("accompanying paper"). Written in 1318 when the emperor was the young age of 30, his strong and imposing brushstrokes are quite impressive.