「曙や」和歌色紙|“Akebonoya” waka poem

Hon'ami Kōetsu

early 17th century

「曙や」和歌色紙|“Akebonoya” waka poem by Hon'ami Kōetsu

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink on gold-decorated paper

Dimensions

Image: 7 3/4 × 6 3/4 in. (19.7 × 17.1 cm) Overall with mounting: 54 7/16 × 15 3/4 in. (138.2 × 40 cm) Overall with knobs: 54 7/16 × 17 5/8 in. (138.3 × 44.8 cm)

Classification

Calligraphy

Culture & Period

Japan · Momoyama (1573–1615)–Edo period (1615–1868)

Department

Asian Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2018

Accession Number

2018.853.10

Art Historical Context

Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558–1637), a towering figure in Japanese arts during the transition from the Momoyama (1573–1615) to the early Edo period (1615–1868), created this exquisite hanging scroll featuring the waka poem “Akebonoya.”ed in bold, flowing ink calligraphy on gold-decorated paper the compact image (7 3/4 × 6 3/4 in.) is mounted on a grand scroll over 54 inches tall, designed for ceremonial display in a tokonoma alcove. Kōetsu's mastery of calligraphy blended Zen-inspired simplicity with decorative elegance, foreshadowing the Rinpa school's opulent aesthetic. The gold-flecked washi paper ...

About the Artist

Hon'ami Kōetsu · 15581638

Famed as a calligrapher, artist, and sword connoisseur.

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