Old Calligrapher

Wearing a cap on his head and with a thoughtful gaze turned slightly to the side, an old man kneels in this kakemono, revealing himself to be a calligrapher – at his feet lie an inkstone, brush, and writing case at the ready. The spare drapery folds, held in muted gray and blue tones, lend the figure a calm, dignified presence. The face is carefully rendered with fine lines for the beard and wrinkles, giving the calligrapher, despite the reduced color palette, an individual, almost portrait-like character. The accompanying writing utensils at the edge of the image clearly anchor the figure in his role as scholar and master of the brush. Depictions of scholars and calligraphers preparing for or practicing their art pay tribute to the high social standing of the art of writing in East Asia. The mounting shows some age-related damage in the upper section. For collectors of literati-inspired Japanese figure painting, this kakemono is an evocative addition.