Fujiwara no Mitsuyoshi (Presumed)
Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jingoji Temple, Kyoto)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
October 5, 2021 (Tue) - October 31, 2021 (Sun)
The size and detail of this work make it unique among secular portraits in Japan. It depicts the nobleman Fujiwara no Mitsuyoshi (1132–1183), though some scholars argue he is the shogun Ashikaga Yoshiakira (1330–1367). He wears a formal garment, which is heavily starched for a crisp appearance emphasized with angular lines. His face is also carefully painted, with pigment brushed onto both sides of the translucent silk ground for extra vibrancy. Use of this painstaking technique—which was usually reserved for sacred Buddhist art—and the large scale of this painting suggest it was used in rituals for venerating this man.
Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
Highlight | National Treasure | Fujiwara no Mitsuyoshi (Presumed) | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Jingoji Temple, Kyoto |