1.
head of a traditional school of art, grand master
The hereditary head of a traditional Japanese art form such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, or classical dance. The position is typically passed down within a family, and the iemoto holds authority over teaching credentials and stylistic standards.
茶道の家元に弟子入りする。
Become a disciple of the grand master of tea ceremony.
家元から直接指導を受ける機会は貴重だ。
The opportunity to receive direct instruction from the grand master is precious.
この流派の家元は代々京都に住み、伝統を守り続けている。
The grand master of this school has lived in Kyoto for generations, continuing to preserve the tradition.
CULTURE:
The 家元制度 (iemoto system) is a hierarchical organizational structure central to traditional Japanese arts. The 家元 holds ultimate authority over the style, issues licenses (免状) to students, and passes the position to the next generation, usually a family member. Major traditional arts with 家元 systems include 茶道 (tea ceremony), 華道 (flower arrangement), 能 (noh theater), and 日本舞踊 (classical dance).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 家元制度: iemoto system
- 家元を継ぐ: to succeed as grand master
- 家元に師事する: to study under the grand master