Daikakuji Temple: Will and Testament with Handprints

JAPAN, Kyoto; Kamakura period

This scroll written by Emperor Go-Uda (reigned 1274–1287) of the Kamakura period, displays a calligraphic style consistent with his other work, Biography of Master Kukai. This calligraphy written as a prayer for the prosperity of Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto contains excerpts from Master Kukai’s last testament to his disciples, as well as behavioral guidelines for the public and the handing down of Daikakuji Temple. A unique and interesting aspect of the piece is that it includes the imprints of Emperor Go-Uda’s hands. This work was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1951.
The influence of Yan Zhenqing may be seen from the thick brushwork and generous spacing of the characters. Despite a somewhat lackluster and compressed composition, this scroll is considered an exceptional piece of calligraphy due to the meticulous brushwork demonstrating the immense skill of the calligrapher.