Fujiwara No Yukinari

Place: Kyoto

Death: 1027

Biography:

Fujiwara No Yukinari

, also known as Fujiwara no Kozei, was a renowned Japanese calligrapher during the Heian period. Born in 972, he is considered one of the outstanding Three Brush Traces (Sanseki 三跡), along with Ono no Michikaze and Fujiwara no Sukemasa. As a court official, Yukinari served as a Major Counselor and further improved the Japanese style calligraphy (wayō-shodō 和様書道).

Early Life and Career

Yukinari was the son of a courtier named Fujiwara no Yoshitaka. After his father's early death, he was raised by his grandfather, Prince Kanenori. Yukinari had a successful career as a court official and is known for his mastery of kana. His style was characterized by mild and easily emulated lines, resulting in highly elegant characters.

Works and Legacy

One of Yukinari's most well-known works is the handscroll of Bai Juyi's eight poems from volume 65 of his Poetic Anthology. This masterpiece was written in 1018 when he was forty-seven years old. The scroll is treasured by Emperor Fushimi and is currently stored in the Tokyo National Museum. Yukinari's extant works were most written in Mana (Chinese characters used as units of meaning) in Gyōsho or Sōsho.

• The Art of Japanese Paper: A wide range of styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture, ink painting, and calligraphy on silk and paper.
• Fujiwara No Yukinari: A Japanese calligrapher during the Heian period, known for his prowess in his chosen art.
• Fujiwara no Yukinari: A biography of the artist on Wikipedia.

Conclusion

's legacy as a master of Japanese calligraphy continues to be celebrated. His works, such as Excerpt from Bai Juyi's 'Autobiography of a Master of Drunken Poetry Recitation', showcase the unique texture and beauty of Japanese paper. As an artist and calligrapher, Yukinari's contributions to the development of wayō-shodō are undeniable, making him a significant figure in the history of Japanese art.