Portrait of Emperor Kanmu
- Date
-
制作年 AD15
- Title
- カンムテンノウゾウ
- Materials, techniques and shape
- 絹本着色
- Collections
- Century Akao Collection
- Depository
- Keio Museum Commons Campus Mita
Emperor Kanmu (737-806) was born the crown prince of Emperor Konin (709-781) and was enthroned in 781. He moved the ancient capital from Nara (Jp. Heijyo-Kyo) to Nagaoka and then to Kyoto (Jp. Heian-Kyo) in 794. He commissioned Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro (758-811) to conquer the indigenous Ezo tribe in the northern territories and sent Priest Saicho (766-822) and Priest Kukai (774-835) to Tang Dynasty China to study Buddhism. After these men returned, Emperor Kanmu appointed Saicho to a high office and helped him establish the Tendai Sect of Buddhism. The emperor contributed greatly to revitalize the ancient administration system based on the rule of law, for example. He established imperial agencies and offices as executive branches of the imperial government. In this portrait, Emperor Kanmu sits on a chair with a backrest placed on a tatami mat with decorated borders, with the interior design resembling a shrine or altar. He is fully clothed in formal coronation attire. Most likely, this portrait was a deified image drawn to be worshipped, for example, on the occasion of annual ceremonies given on March 17 in the emperor’s honor at the Enryakuji Temple in Mt. Hiei. (This temple was founded by the aforementioned Priest Saicho. The ceremony is called the “Tenno-Ko.”) The majesty emanating from the large portrait is one of the best renditions of this powerful ancient ruler.
Overview
Rights
Depository and ID
Components
OPEN DATADESIGN
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Details
Identifiers
- Title (EN)
- Portrait of Emperor Kanmu
Physical description
- Weights and quantities
-
Quantity 1幅
- Attachments
- 外箱、紙帙、太巻、巻止め
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