Emperor Reigen Imperial Handwriting (Shinkan) — Classical Waka on Kaishi Paper

Shinkan refers to calligraphy personally written by an emperor. This work features a waka by the Tendai monk Jien from the Shinkokin Wakashū (New Collection of Ancient and Modern Japanese Poetry), transcribed by Emperor Reigen on kaishi, a sheet of paper carried in the front fold of a garment, and handed down within the Takamatsu Matsudaira family. Emperor Reigen was the nineteenth son of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Following the sudden death of Emperor Go-Kōmyō, he was raised as the designated successor and later ascended to the throne after Emperor Go-Sai abdicated in his favor. Under the guidance of the retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo, he developed a strong interest in yūsoku kojitsu, the study of precedents governing imperial court ceremonies and culture, as well as in waka poetry, and he came to be recognized as an accomplished poet. He also devoted himself to reviving imperial court ceremonies that had lapsed during the Sengoku period (16th century).