Selections from the New Collection of Japanese Poems from Ancient and Modern Times (Shinkokin wakashū) with Printed Designs of Plants and Animals

Description

Kōetsu, a leader in the revival of classical traditions, became renowned for his calligraphic work and collaborated with artisans in areas ranging from printed books to ceramics, lacquer, theater, and tea. In this handscroll, ten verses from the anthology New Collection of Japanese Poems from Ancient and Modern Times are dynamically brushed across the surface in a manner known as "scattered writing" (chirashi-gaki). The rhythm and intensity of ink allow the fluid characters to harmonize with the rhythm of woodblock-printed mica designs on sheets of colored paper. Among the motifs are paulownia trees, floating grasses, deer, dragonflies, and water.