Publication of “Report on the joint research on “Hanshan and Shide” by Yosa Buson from the collection of Myohoji Temple,”
Since 2021, Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties（TOBUNKEN）, in collaboration with Myohoji Temple in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, has been researching the restoration of damaged portions of “Hanshan and Shide” by Yosa Buson by combining black and white film taken by TOBUNKEN in 1959 and modern image formation technology. It is an Important Cultural Property owed by Myōhōji Temple.(Refer to the August 2021 Activity Report)
https://www.tobunken.go.jp/materials/
katudo/910046.html
As a result of this research, the restored sliding doors were dedicated in the main hall of Myohoji Temple in November 2022. (Refer to the November 2022 Activity Report)
https://www.tobunken.go.jp/materials/katudo/1018231.html
The report focuses on the results of the production and dedication of these restored sliding doors and presents the history and findings of the two previous restorations of Buson’s works at Myohoji Temple. The possibilities of utilizing the photographic materials and archives that TOBUNKEN has accumulated over the years are published as a joint research report that includes a wealth of images.
The report includes two essays, “In Search of the Lost Collection of Hanshan and Shide: Miracle of the Cultural Properties Archive” (by EMURA Tomoko, Director of the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems) and “Reconsidering Hanshan and Shide by Yosa Buson from the collection of Myohoji Temple” (by YASUNAGA Takuyo, Head of the Department’s Trans-Disciplinary Research Section), along with 1) a color image, 2) a near-infrared ray image, 3) a 4 x 5 inch black and white negative photo image taken in 1959, and 4) a restored image compiled using image forming technology.
In addition, color and near-infrared ray images of “Cycad” and “Landscapes (4 pieces),” and color images of “Bamboo” and “Jurō (God of longevity)” are included, and each piece is accompanied by detailed explanations, covering all of Buson’s works in Myohoji Temple.
Buson’s works at the temple are all designated as Important Cultural Properties. They represent standards of the period during which Buson stayed in Kagawa Prefecture. However, images of Buson’s works at Myohoji Temple have never been published in detail. Moreover, this report, and the restored sliding doors dedicated to the temple, are essential for future Buson research.
The report has been donated to major museums, art museums, libraries, and universities throughout Japan. Therefore, those interested in reading can access it in their local libraries.