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.
The opportunity to receive direct instruction from the grand master is precious.
Cultural note
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
Related Words
Compare:
宗家 (head family)