Exhibition 'Emperor Go-Mizunoo and Shogoin' to be Held Coinciding with Shogoin's Autumn Special Opening
The Shogoin Monzeki, the head temple of the Honzan Shugen sect, will hold its autumn special opening from Fridays to Sundays and holidays between October 10 and December 6, 2026. In conjunction, the 'Emperor Go-Mizunoo and Shogoin' exhibition will showcase important cultural properties, including the temple's study and Kano school screen paintings.
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Along with the annual viewing of the Shinden (normally closed to the public), which features over 120 gold-leaf screen paintings by the Kano school, the temple will host the 'Emperor Go-Mizunoo and Shogoin' exhibition as a collaborative project for the 400th Anniversary of the Kanei Imperial Visit.
This exhibition will feature the study (an Important Cultural Property), said to have been designed by Emperor Go-Mizunoo, as well as calligraphy and scrolls by the Emperor himself. Additionally, works by Kano Tan'yu, an artist of the 'Kanei Culture' nurtured in Emperor Go-Mizunoo's salon, such as the 'Kishu Tomogashima Scroll' and 'Shaka Sanzon Zu,' will be displayed, illustrating the connection between Shogoin—a temple for yamabushi ascetics—and Kanei culture.
About Shogoin:
Shogoin is the head temple of the Honzan Shugen sect, founded by En no Gyoja. Its origins date back to 1090 when it was granted to Dai-sojo Zo-yo, who served as the guardian monk for Emperor Shirakawa's Kumano pilgrimage. It became the first Shugendo organization in Japan.
As a Miya-Monzeki, starting with the 4th head priest Prince Shoko, 25 out of 37 head priests until the Meiji Restoration were from the Imperial family, with members of the Imperial family and regent families serving as head priests for generations.
It is a prestigious temple registered as the only 'Former Temporary Imperial Palace' historical site in Japan, having served as a temporary palace for Emperor Kokaku after the Imperial Palace burned down during the Great Tenmei Fire.
About the Study:
The interior decoration of the study is said to have been influenced by Emperor Go-Mizunoo, featuring sophisticated designs that remain modern today. The transom is particularly notable for its modern style, serving as a testament to the Emperor's aesthetic sense.
FAQ
When is the special autumn opening of Seikoin?
It will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from October 10, 2026 (Saturday) to December 6, 2026 (Sunday).
What will be exhibited at the [Emperor Gomizuno and Seikoin] exhibition?
Important cultural properties such as the study room where Emperor Gomizuno is said to have been involved in the design, the plaque 'Kenshin' written by Emperor Gomizuno, hanging scrolls, and 'Kishu Tomogashima-zu' and 'Shaka Sanzon-zu' by Kanō Tan'yū will be exhibited.
What kind of temple is Seikoin?
It is the head temple of Honzan Shugendo, founded by En no Gyoja, and a prestigious palace temple where successive members of the imperial family and regent families served as abbots until the Meiji Restoration. It also served as the temporary imperial residence during the Tenna fire.
What are the characteristics of the fusuma paintings displayed in the Shinden?
The approximately 120 fusuma paintings, painted by Kanō Eynar and Kanō Masanobu, feature flowers, birds, and Chinese sages in a vibrant and elegant style.
What are the highlights of Seikoin's study room?
The highlights include the modern design of the transoms reflecting Emperor Gomizuno's aesthetic sense, the flower head windows made of imported glass, and the delicate gold work using thin pillars.