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Important Cultural Property

Letter by Emperor Gofukakusa

後深草天皇宸翰消息
Letter by Emperor Gofukakusa (後深草天皇宸翰消息)
PLATE IImage: Kyoto National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Calligraphy & Book · Kamakura period · held by Kyoto National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan · Gofukakusa (Emperor).

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Date
1185
Creator
Gofukakusa (Emperor) (後深草天皇)
Catalogue ID
cobas-4493

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Emperor Gofukakusa (1243-1304, r. 1246-59) wrote this letter addressing the appointment of taishô (major captain) sent to the Kamakura shogunate. From the text, we know that it was sent to a vassal of Emperor Fushimi (1265-1317, r. 1287-98) during the New Year holidays of 1290 (Shôô 3). Although Emperor Fushimi was on the throne at the time, his father, Emperor Gofukakusa, was exercising power as retired emperor (J., insei). This work well displays the flowing calligraphic style of Gofukakusa, who stands out among the succession of emperors in this regard.

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Letter by Emperor Gofukakusa(後深草天皇宸翰消息).” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-4493. Kyoto National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/letter-by-emperor-gofukakusa-kyoto-national-museum/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Genre: Calligraphy
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural Property
  • Category: Calligraphy:Category:Imperial writings|Calligraphy:Region:Japan|Calligraphy:Period:Japan:Kamakura period|Calligraphy:Author:Emperors
  • 員数: 1括
  • 分類: 書跡
  • 種別: 書跡:分類:宸翰|書跡:地域:日本|書跡:時代:日本:鎌倉|書跡:筆者:天皇・皇帝

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Important Cultural Property
Letter by Emperor Gofukakusa (後深草天皇宸翰御消息(正月十一日))

Letter by Emperor Gofukakusa

後深草天皇宸翰御消息(正月十一日)
Calligraphy & Books · Kamakura, 1185Kyoto NM
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