Aspects of Physiognomy and Physicality in the Portrait of Emperor Go-Yōzei

Aspects of Physiognomy and Physicality in the Portrait of Emperor Go-Yōzei Portraits of emperors have a long history, but the portrait of Emperor Goyozei 後陽成天皇 (1571-1617), who reigned from the end of the sixteenth to the beginning of the seventeenth century, displays several characteristics not found in any emperor portraits. Through the reading of these portraits, the aim of this lecture is to examine the situation in which sovereigns were placed during this period, and the meaning of their bodies. Further, it will strive to deepen our understanding of the nature of emperors in Japan.