The Century Akao Collection, donated to Keio University in 2021, includes approximately 15,000 volumes formerly owned by Shigemi Komatsu (1925-2010), a scholar of ancient Japanese calligraphy. The collection’s most distinctive feature is the wide range of Japanese classics related to the human activity of writing.

Currently, the Keio Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko) is in the process of reexamining and cataloguing this vast collection of books. This exhibition introduces a part of Shigemi Komatsu’s collection of books, which is so unique, along with the surprising process of researching classical books. Let’s enter the forest of varied books: some rare, some common, some printed, some written with a brush, some once owned by famous people, some with no title anywhere, and some mysterious and unexplained.

Related event

Gallery Talk (Priority to reservations)
Dates ｜Saturday, April 19, 2025, 14:00~15:00／Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 14:00~15:00
Speaker｜Wataru Ichinohe (Institute of Oriental Classics, professor)
Venue｜Keio Museum Commons Exhibition Room

A gallery talk by the exhibition organizer Wataru Ichinohe (Institute of Oriental Classics, professor) is planned.
Gallery talks take place in Japanese only. Free admission.

Related Exhibition

Collection Highlights “Statues of Buddha from the Century Akao Collection” (provisional title)

*Please check here for the latest information.

Exhibition Overview and Selected Materials

Books of Writing: Various books written about writing
1. Portrait of Three Great Calligraphers, [Muromachi – early Edo period].
2. Kōanreisetsu, [late Kamakura – Nambokucho period].
3. Painting of Reed on the Waterside, Inscription by MATSUDAIRA Sadanobu, Painted by UCHIDA Hirotsune, 1818.

Books that are passed down from generation to generation: Books that have passed through the hands of famous people
4. Kōanreisetsumondō, Gyokushōhidenshōbassui, Osanjoodōgu, [middle Edo period].
5. Myōhōinnomiyashotaifuate KATŌ Chikage Shojō, [1805].

Examine and compare: Same? Different? Determine the differences in the woodblocks by placing the printed books side by side
6. Tehonchōhōki, Edited by [NAKAMURA Sankinshi], 1740.

Rare books appear: Books hidden in the collection
7. [Diary of Lord Fuyumoto], Edited by DAIGO Fuyumoto, 1675.
8. Jingenshō, 1685.

Cataloguing in progress: What we found during the research process
9. [Omoinotsuyu], Edited by NIJŌ Yoshimoto, [early Edo period].
10. Kanjusho, 1600.

Book collector, Shigemi Komatsu: Books with the Shigemi Komatsu’s library marks
11. Shosatsubenwakushū, Edited by UEHARA Shigemasa, [1760].

(3) (5): private collection, Others: Keio University (Century Akao Collection)
[ ] = Supplemental information

Concurrent Exhibition

 Keio Museum Commons, East Annex Stair Landing, Keio University Mita Campus

Organized by: Keio Museum Commons, Keio Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko)