Traditional Art From the Sword of Egawa Tannan to the Calligraphy and Paintings of Hakuin Ekaku
From the Sword of Egawa Tannan to the Calligraphy and Paintings of Hakuin Ekaku

Egawa Tarozemon Hidetatsu (1801–1855), magistrate of Izu, was affectionately known as “Tannan-san” by the local people. In the closing years of the Edo period, he responded to the threat of the Black Ships by dedicating himself to coastal defense. Despite his demanding official duties, he pursued poetry, calligraphy, and painting, leaving behind a rich body of work. Notably, when constructing a reverberatory furnace for casting cannons, he applied his deep knowledge of ironworking, cultivated through the traditional art of Japanese sword forging. This exhibition features a letter from the swordsmith Taikei Naotane, under whom Tannan apprenticed, as well as a short sword forged by Tannan himself.
Also featured is the renowned Zen monk Hakuin Ekaku (1685–1768), fondly referred to as “Hakuin-san.” He was celebrated for the saying, “Suruga boasts two wonders beyond measure: Mount Fuji and Hakuin of Hara,” and conveyed Zen teachings through a unique fusion of poetry and painting. Many of his works remain in the Izu region.
In addition, the exhibition presents Noh masks and mask chests that recent research has identified as former possessions of the Uesugi family. It also features the well-known swords Kashagiri and Tonbogiri, which are widely appreciated for their historical and cultural significance. We invite you to explore this exhibition, which offers newly uncovered insights and a deeper appreciation of these cultural treasures.