Kana Letters Attributed to Fujiwara no Yukinari (twelve letters)

Letters Whose Front and Back Changed Places

The Kana Letters Attributed to Fujiwara no Yukinari (twelve letters) (伝藤原行成筆仮名消息（十二通）) is twelve Heian-period kana letters attributed to Fujiwara no Yukinari, owned by Kyukyodo Co., Ltd. in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1952 were designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one mounted piece owned by Kyukyodo.

According to the Kyoto National Museum, it is a masterpiece of the later eleventh century, with kana scattered freely in a relaxed, pleasing hand.

Front and Back

According to the Kyoto National Museum, the Buddhist tale collection Sanbo kanno yoryaku roku is written on the back. Paper being precious, the unwanted letters were apparently gathered and the collection written on their blank reverse.

At that time, the late eleventh or early twelfth century, the letters were not valued, and because the collection was bound in folded leaves, the letters ended up hidden inside the folds.

What to Look For

The museum explains that the letters came to light again in 1851, when the revivalist Yamato-e painter Reizei Tamechika obtained the book from a temple, took it apart, mounted the letters face up and made two scrolls, one of which is this work.

With owners in each age turning it front to back, both faces have been treasured and handed down.

Visiting the Kana Letters Attributed to Fujiwara no Yukinari (twelve letters)

The letters are owned by Kyukyodo and are not on regular display; watch for exhibition announcements.