This is a letter from Shuho Myocho (Daito Kokushi, 1282-1337), who founded Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto, to his disciple Man’an Soyu. He expresses regret that Man’an does not come back to Kyoto after the end of the summer Ango (a period of communal living for monks in training during which they devote themselves to their training), but also expresses joy that the construction and teaching of Yutokuji Temple, where Man’an serves as chief priest, is progressing smoothly, noting that this is the result of Man’an’s many years of hard work. The small characters at the beginning of the paper provide updates on Man’an’s fellow monks, the disciples of Shuho Myocho. This is a valuable document that reveals the relationship between Shuho Myocho and his disciples, as well as Shuho Myocho’s style of calligraphy in letters.

Formerly owned by famous Japanese collector, Masuda Don’noh.

Publications
*Birankan, Tokiwayama Bunko, 1954 (see commentary by Honan Tayama)
*Hibai Yoko – Selected Catalogue from the Tokiwayama Bunko, The Tokiwayama Foundation, 1967 (see commentary by Hisao Sugahara)
*Treasures of Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation – Selected Masterpieces: Calligraphy and Ink Paintings, Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation,2003 (see commentary by Noriko Takahashi)
*Selected Masterpieces from the Treasures of Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation – Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation, Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation,2023 (see commentary by Katsunori Mutobe)