
Title

Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy,New
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy is a classic play from Japan's golden age of puppet theater. Written in the eighteenth century, it tells the tale of Sugawara no Michizane, a wronged scholarofficial who, in death, joins the Shinto pantheon as a nurturer of scholarship and calligraphy. The story recounts Sugawara's entanglement with the powerful Fujiwara family, who accuse Sugawara of plotting against the emperor, resulting in his exile and death in 903. After a series of misfortunes befall those who conspired against him, Sugawara's enemies appease his spirit through deification. Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy centers on three archetypical brothers and their wives. Their fates unfold against the intrigues surrounding Sugawara and his foes, which reflect the cultural values of the Edo period woven into a stylized past. This annotated translation by Stanleigh H. Jones Jr. replicates the play's poetic and idiomatic language and its original mix of register while also clarifying the drama's complex story and dialogue for students of Japanese literature and drama. An introduction situates the play within its eighteenthcentury context and ninthcentury setting and describes the relationship between bunraku puppet theater and kabuki. A unique illustrated appendix delves into the construction of puppets and the art of puppetry.
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Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is 'Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy' about? A: 'Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy' is a classic Japanese play from the eighteenth century that tells the story of Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar who is wrongfully accused and exiled, ultimately becoming a figure of reverence in Shinto. The play explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the importance of scholarship, set against the backdrop of the Edo period.
- Q: Who is the author of this play? A: The play is translated and annotated by Stanleigh H. Jones Jr., who provides insights into the cultural and historical context of the work.
- Q: What are the key themes in this play? A: Key themes in 'Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy' include the struggle for justice, the consequences of political intrigue, and the reverence for knowledge and artistry, particularly in calligraphy.
- Q: What is the format and page count of the book? A: The book is a hardcover edition with a total of 288 pages.
- Q: Is this edition suitable for students of Japanese literature? A: Yes, this annotated edition is specifically designed to aid students of Japanese literature, clarifying complex dialogues and narrative structures while preserving the original poetic style.
- Q: When was 'Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy' published? A: The play was published on October 15, 1985.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or additional resources? A: Yes, the book features a unique illustrated appendix that delves into the construction of puppets and the art of puppetry, enhancing the reader's understanding of the performance context.
- Q: What is the significance of puppetry in the context of this play? A: Puppetry is a crucial aspect of the play, as it is rooted in bunraku puppet theater, which offers a rich visual and auditory experience that complements the storytelling.
- Q: How does this play reflect the cultural values of its time? A: The play reflects Edo period cultural values such as honor, loyalty, and the high regard for education and the arts, particularly through its portrayal of Sugawara's character and his legacy.
- Q: What makes this translation unique? A: This translation is unique due to its careful replication of the play's poetic language and idiomatic expressions while offering clarity on the drama's complex story, making it accessible to modern readers.