This year’s theme of the Kyogashi Exhibition, which has been held since 2013,
focuses on two artists of the early Edo period: Kobori Enshu and Shokado Shojo.

Kobori Enshu (Kobori Masakazu, 1579–1647) was a feudal lord
who played a vital role as the magistrate of Fushimi,
and was also renowned as a master of tea ceremony, architect and garden designer.
He is known for incorporating the aesthetics of the imperial court into tea ceremony,
a trend which was later referred to as "kirei sabi" (refined rusticity).

Shokado Shojo (1582–1639) was a priest at the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine,
who mastered the Shingon esoteric Buddhism.
He also demonstrated his talent in painting and calligraphy and is known as one of
the three great calligraphers of the Kan'ei period, along with Konoe Nobutada and Hon'ami Koetsu.
Also a renowned tea master, he studied tea ceremony under Kobori Enshu.

The year 2026 marks 400 years since Emperor Go-Mizunoo’s official visit to the Nijo Castle.
The cultural surge which arose in various genres during this period
became the foundation for the cultural richness we enjoy today, including Kyogashi.
The legacy of the two pivotal figures of the Kan'ei culture,
Kobori Enshu and Shokado Shojo, shines brilliantly even today.
We look forward to seeing your unique designs inspired by their works.