Held at Ryōsōin, Kennin-ji Temple, Kyoto

The book "Hyakunin Isshu for a Thousand Years," a collaboration between artist Asami Kiyokawa and poet Tahi Saihate that reimagines the classic Hyakunin Isshu poetry collection, became a talking point.

In this book, each waka poem is reinterpreted for the modern era and depicted with rich emotion using thread, fabric, and beads.

These original artworks are now on display at the "Hyakunin Isshu for a Thousand Years Exhibition – The Poet's Heart Woven with Thread –." The venue is Ryōsōin, within the grounds of Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto. In Kyoto, amidst the vibrant autumn foliage where splendor and tranquility intertwine, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of a modern "Hyakunin Isshu" that stimulates the imagination and touches the heart.




Regarding this exhibition, Kiyokawa commented, "When I first visited Ryōsōin at Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto, the buildings and gardens were so beautiful, I imagined my own works displayed within the space. It's a comfortable time, free from daily distractions, where one can simply face their physical state and listen. I envision a space where a quiet time flows, as if the poems from a thousand years ago could be heard. I hope that in the setting of Ryōsōin during autumn, amidst the scent of the garden's fall colors and the presence of the poets, visitors can feel the essence of being alive in this era and enjoy the world of 'Hyakunin Isshu for a Thousand Years.'"

Saihate added, "When I saw the actual picture cards, I felt a sense of destiny, as if they were connected from a thousand years ago to the present by a single thread. The shimmering threads and the light of the beads revealed different forms with each passing moment,
yet their supple beauty remained still. Hyakunin Isshu also possesses a beauty that transcends time, with moments of sorrow and joy captured within the poems. It is through these picture cards, I believe, that we can touch a thousand years ago. I am looking forward to that moment at Ryōsōin."

©︎AsamiKiyokawa

Transcending a thousand years, we contemplate the feelings of people from that era. Surely, we who live in the present can also recognize their beauty and the emotions hidden within.

Asami Kiyokawa
Born in Awaji Island. Held her first solo exhibition in 2001. Since 2003, she has been creating works using embroidery on photographs. She has held numerous exhibitions nationwide, including solo shows at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, and Omotesando Hills in Tokyo. Her representative works include the "Collecting Beautiful Women" and "Complex" series, and the picture book series "The Happy Prince" and "Night on the Galactic Railroad." She has received the "Best Debutant Award," been selected for the VOCA exhibition, named "VOGUE JAPAN Women of the Year," and received the ASIAGRAPH Award "Tsukuri Prize." She gained attention for her total direction and production of the opening sequence and poster for the NHK serial TV novel "Bebippin-san" in the latter half of 2016. Her latest publication is the art collection "Asami Kiyokawa Collection" (published by PIE International).
www.asamikiyokawa.com

"Hyakunin Isshu for a Thousand Years Exhibition – The Poet's Heart Woven with Thread –"
Exhibition Period | Wednesday, November 21, 2018 – Monday, December 10, 2018 (Open daily during the exhibition)
Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Venue | Ryōsōin, Kennin-ji Temple Grounds
591 Komatsu-cho, Shijo-kudaru, Maruyama, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Admission Fee | General: ¥1000, University/High School Students: ¥800, Elementary School Students and younger: Free

Grand Marble Gion (1F) Cafe & Champagne Gion Chikara (2F)
Address | 570-238 Gionmachi Minami, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours | 1F: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 2F: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Last Order 7:00 PM)
*Access to the 2nd floor requires use of the cafe.

Book Information
Hyakunin Isshu for a Thousand Years
Asami Kiyokawa, Tahi Saihate
Price | ¥1500 (excluding tax)

Asami Kiyokawa Hyakunin Isshu Karuta
List Price | ¥4000 (excluding tax)
Pre-sale at the Ryōsōin exhibition venue. *General sales begin Saturday, November 24.

The Emotions of Hyakunin Isshu
Tahi Saihate
Price | ¥1500 (excluding tax)
Pre-sale at the Ryōsōin exhibition venue. *General sales begin Saturday, November 24.