Kakemono Calligraphy in Flowing Script

Powerful, almost dance-like brushstrokes move across the light paper of this kakemono: thick, rich strokes alternate with thinly trailing flourishes, as is typical for the semi-cursive script of Japanese calligraphy. At the left edge, a small red seal provides the only touch of color in a work otherwise entirely reduced to ink and paper.

In terms of content, the calligraphy quotes a passage from the poem "Early Winter" by the Chinese poet Lu You of the Song dynasty – a reference long treasured in Japan, which calligraphers have gladly chosen as a model for their own art of writing. Thus the hanging scroll combines classical Chinese poetry with Japanese brushwork into a quiet, meditative overall image.

Fine paper serves as the honshi, the jikusaki is made of plastic, and the piece was created in the Shôwa period. For lovers of East Asian calligraphy and literature, this unique work is an appealing addition to any collection, equally suited as a standalone wall piece and as a conversation starter about the quoted verses.