Kyozan Yamamoto and Wakan Hosho Tenrankai

Abstract

  The main objective of the present study is to reveal the network of the literati formed around the “Wakan Hosho Tenrankai” (“Hosho Kai”) held by Kyozan Yamamoto, a famous modern calligrapher (1863 – 1934; real name Yoshisada Yamamoto; born in present-day Gifu-shi). Kyozan held “Hosho Kai” at the Kyoto Prefectural Library on December 4, 1913, supported in many ways by various members of the modern literati such as calligraphers, scholars, collectors, politicians and publishers from Japan and China. One hundred and seven fine calligraphic works were selected and displayed there, and they were published by Aburaya Hakubundo as a book called Wakan Hosho Tenrankai Kinen Jo with an afterword by Kyozan in February of the following year.

  Specifically, I examine several letters related to Wakan Hosho Tenrankai Kinen Jo to reveal the background of “Hosho Kai”. I also examine communications related to “Hosho Kai”, with reference to the correspondence of Tenrai Hidai, Luo Zhenyu, Wang Guowei, Uzan Nagao, Koreaki Isono and Tsuyoshi Inukai to consider the importance of “Hosho Kai” in the history of modern Japanese calligraphy and in the cultural exchange between Japan and China. Based on the foregoing, I further investigate the inheritance of “Hosho Kai” by the present world of calligraphy and associations of the literati to reveal the fusion of exhibitions of traditional, exemplary calligraphy with contemporary calligraphy, and the development of calligraphy to the present. As the first association of calligraphers in the Taisho era, “Hosho Kai” showed its intention to preserve the tradition and embrace contemporary calligraphy while forming part of the international network of literati in the calligraphy world in this era.