Emperor Saga

JAPAN; Nara to Heian period

Emperor Saga (reigned 809–823) was the 52nd emperor of Japan. Originally named Kamino, he was the son of Emperor Kammu (reigned 781–806) of the Nara period, and was successor to the throne after Emperor Heizei (reigned 806–809). During his rule, he engaged in the writing and compilation of several law books including Laws and Regulations of the Konin Era, Imperial Palace Regulations, and Later Chronicles of Japan.
Emperor Saga was multi-talented and was especially proficient in calligraphy and poetry. His imperial anthologies of Chinese poetry, such as A Collection from Above the Clouds, have been in circulation since they were first written. He adopted the Chinese calligraphic styles of Wang Xizhi and Ouyang Xun, and his works exhibited the decorative rounded strokes of Master Kukai. His brushstrokes were vigorous with a natural and easy flow. Emperor Saga, together with Master Kukai and Tachibana no Hayanari, was known as one of the Three Brushes of Heian.
An example of his calligraphic work is Certificate of Ordination for Kojo, which he personally transcribed to honor the contributions of monk Kojo, a disciple of the famed monk and calligrapher, Master Saicho. The artwork was listed as a National Treasure and is currently kept at Enryakuji Temple.