Images of a Japanese ambassador in the Ming Dynasty: Results from the Two Portraits of Sakugen Shuryo Owned by Myochi-In Temple
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Lee, I-Jan
Abstract
This study focuses on the two portraits of Sakugen Shuryo which are owned by Myochi-In Temple, but currently are preserved in Kyoto National Museum. The portraits were drawn in 1538 by a Nignbo painter, while Sakugen Shuryo was staying in China for a diplomatic mission. Sakugen Shuryo was the third abbot of Myochi-In Temple, and went to China twice in 1538 and 1547, respectively. He was a vice ambassador in the first trip, and became a head ambassador in the second trip. The two portraits of Sakugen Shuryo are different not only in the figure and inscription, but also in the size of the canvas and the proportion of the figure. This study illustrates how Sakugen Shuryo utilized his portraits to form his image as a Japanese ambassador in China. Another research objective of this study is to understand the situation about the tributary trade between China and Japan in the Ming dynasty, especially the painting activities concerned with the order from the Japanese clients.
Subjects
Sakugen Shuryo
Myochi-In
portraiture
Zen
Nignbo
tributary trade
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