Page 123 - JAPAN THE SHAPING OFDAIMYO CULTURE 1185-1868

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58 Wakagaishi follower of the Zen priest Muso Soseki kyô Ydhon—copied by Takauji; his young-
Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358) (1275-1351). For the soul of the deceased er brother, Tadayoshi (cat. 60); and Muso
hanging scroll; ink on decorated paper emperor Go-Daigo (1288-1339), Takauji Soseki—was offered to Kongo Zanmaiin, a
1
l
31.2 X 52.0 (l2 /4 X 2O /z) founded Tenryuji at Musô's urging and subtemple of Kôyasan. Attached to the
Nanbokucho period, 1344 with Muso as its founding abbot. In his ef- backs of the pages of the text are 120 po-
forts to unify the country, he built in each ems, each written on tanzaku (narrow
Sekai Kyüseikyó (MOA Art Museum), province a temple as a place of prayer for
Shizuoka Prefecture strips of poetry paper), including twelve by
national peace and for the souls of the war Takauji.
Kaishi is folded paper on which poems are dead (whether they had fought with him The paper in this example, known as
written at formal occasions, such as a ban- or against him). This wakagaishi was re- kumogami (paper decorated with cloud
quet. The term literally means paper kept portedly offered to Kongôbuji, the Eso- patterns), creates an illusion of space suit-
in the breast of the kimono ready to be teric Shingon headquarters temple atop able to the spirit of the poem. The poem
used when prompted. When waka (Japa- Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. itself, occupying the three right-hand
nese poems) are written, they are called Takauji was also a poet. Eighty-five columns, is fluidly written in the Japanese
wakagaishi; when renga (linked verses) are tanka (short poems) by him are included in kana syllabary. The colophon occupies the
written, they are called rengagaishi. the poetry anthology Zoku Goshùi Wd- two lines at the right and is written in
This wakagaishi was composed and kashü and other imperial anthologies. The semicursive (gydsho) characters. The poem
written by Ashikaga Takauji, the clan Tsukubashù of 1357, an anthology of linked expresses Takauji's devotion to Koyasan:
chieftain and successful warlord, who in verses, contains sixty-seven of his renga. In Atop Mount Takano [that is, at Koyasan]
1338 was appointed Seiitaishdgun (Great this example of wakagaishi, Takauji praises the religious candle
General Who Quells the Barbarians), the the long tradition of the Buddhist faith on mil never be extinguished',
first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate Mount Kôya. A colophon following the in the future world, whoever the ruler,
in Kyoto. poem reads, tenth day, tenth month, third it will shine as brightly. TY
Though his entire adult life was spent year ofKdei [corresponding to 1344], Mina-
in battle, intrigue, and the pursuit of moto no Ason Takauji, Senior Second
power, Takauji was also deeply religious, a Grade followed by Takauji's kad. Two days
before this date, the Buddhist text Hdjaku-

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