Tanzaku by Sanjonishi Sanetaka 三条西実隆筆短冊サンジョウニシサネタカヒツタンザク

Description

Sanjonishi Sanetaka (1455-1537) was born the second son of Minister of the Center, Sanjonishi Kinyasu (1398-1460). He closely served three reigning emperors, i.e., GoTsuchimikado, GoKashiwabara, and GoNara. He was given the title of Senior Second Rank and eventually became Minister of the Center. Thoroughly versed in Chinese prose and poetry and Japanese literature, ancient anecdotes, and manners and etiquette, he contributed to the rise of academism favoring local flavor during medieval Japan. He studied the art of waka composition under Asukai Masachika (1417-90) and later exhibited wide-ranging talent. He also received oral instructions about the secret interpretations of the Kokin Wakashu (Collection of Ancient and Modern Poems) from Iio Sogi (1412-1502). Sanetaka and Botanka Shohaku (1443-1527) were fellow disciples, and Takeno Jo-oh (1502-55) was Sanetaka’s student. As a trained calligrapher, Sanetaka established his own style, named the Sanjo School (also Shoyo-In School) and attracted a large number of followers. He left behind The Diary of Lord Sanetaka and a private anthology, Setsugyoku Shu (lit. “Collection of Snowy Gems”). He retired to pursue Buddhism at age 62 (1516) and adopted the pseudonym “Shoyo-In Gyoku”.The exhibit “Spring Rain” poem is included in the Setsugyoku Shu. According to this collection, “Spring Rain” was written for the Daily Waka Dedication at the Palace, which began on September 9, 1509. (During this event, participating poets visited the palace everyday to write and dedicate a poem.)