Enryakuji Temple: Certificate of Ordination for Kojo

JAPAN, Shiga, Otsu; Heian period

This piece, a work by Emperor Saga (reigned 809–823) written in 823, was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1954. The emperor greatly admired monk Saicho, who founded Enryakuji Temple and worked tirelessly with his disciple, Kojo, to establish an Ordination Hall. In memory of Saicho’s passing in 822, Emperor Saga wrote this certificate for Kojo.
The work displays two different styles; one section, which features broad characters and fluid brushwork, is reminiscent of the calligraphy of Master Kukai. The other more tightly structured portion with compact characters brings to mind Ouyang Xun’s running script. Each character is separately spaced in an unhurried manner, displaying a sense of composure. This particularly piece of calligraphy is thought to be Emperor Saga’s most important work.
Emperor Saga, whose personal name was Kamino, was well-versed in literature and calligraphy, being ranked alongside Kukai and Tachibana no Hayanari as one of the “Three Brushes of Heian” for his exceptional talents. His reign as the 52nd emperor of Japan saw the incorporation of the law books including Laws and Regulations of the Konin Era, Imperial Palace Regulations, and Later Chronicles of Japan.