Special Project for New Era Name, Reiwa
Man’yōshū Book 5
Edo
period, 18th century publication (Original: Nara period,
8th century)
Exhibition period:
April 23, 2019 (Tue) – December 22, 2019 (Sun)
Location:
Cultural Exchange Exhibition
Summary:
The new era name “Reiwa” was chosen from the preface of 32 Poems of Plum Blossoms in the
Man’yōshū Book 5, which has close ties to Dazaifu government. To commemorate this, a
special project “Reiwa” to introduce Dazaifu government’s history and culture is
presented to visitors from Japan and abroad. This special project focuses on the
multilayered connections between “history” and “exchange”, keywords associated with the
Plum Blossom Banquet that was hosted by Ōtomo no Tabito.
First, Ōtomo no Tabito was historically connected to Kyushu when he was appointed
Governor-General of Dazaifu to handle the Iwai Rebellion in the Tsukushi Province. Next,
the concept of cultural exchange is highlight by the roles played by envoys sent to the
Sui and Tang dynasties under the command of the Dazaifu government, as well as the
connection between Chinese books and the Plum Blossom Banquet. This special project will
also introduce commentaries of waka poems which are related to the Man’yōshū and other
artifacts on display in the Cultural Exchange Exhibition.
Exhibition hall and themes
I:Tsukushi Province Iwai Rebellion and Ōtomo no Tabito
Notable artifacts
- [Important Cultural Property] Decoration made of stone (Stone figure) excavated from the Iwatoyama burial mound
- Decoration made of stone (Stone figure) excavated from the Chibusan burial mound
- Cylindrical haniwa excavated from the Nakanojō burial mound
II:Ōtomo no Tabito and Dazaifu Government
Notable artifacts
- Man’yōshū Book 5
- [Important Cultural Property] Onigawara tile excavated from Dazaifu Government Office Ruins
- Mokkan wood with calligraphy writing, Ōtomobe (Replica & original: Important Cultural Property)
- White Jade Belt
III:Development of Ritsuryō law documents (Display period: June 10 – August 8)
Notable artifacts
- [Important Cultural Property] Great Council of State documents (Head of Ōtomo family, personal work)
IV:Tsukushi Man’yō Kadan and Japanese Missions to Tang China
Notable artifacts
- Replica of products from ship for Tang envoys (Chinese books, sandalwood, biwa bag, cotton)
V:The Post of Mizuki Castle
Notable artifacts
- Replica model of Mizuki Castle
- Replica of the Dazaifu Government South Gate
