Kakemono Calligraphy: Spring Rain in the Mountains

A thousand mountains glowing in lush green after a rain shower, and blossom petals gliding into the currents of spring streams – this poetic image from a classical poem captures the moment of transition in which nature renews itself while also passing away. A few characters suffice to make this mood of spring immediately palpable.

In a flowing, rhythmically animated script, the calligrapher set the characters onto the light-colored paper, with bold and more delicate strokes alternating to visually evoke the movement of nature described in the text. A small date notation along with the signature and two red seals complete the composition at the left edge of the piece, giving the sheet a personal finishing touch.

The work, executed on paper, has a jikusaki made of plastic and dates from the Shôwa period. The olive-green mounting fabric takes up the coloring of the mountains described in the poem and rounds off the overall effect harmoniously. A poetic piece for lovers of classical East Asian poetry.