「曙や」和歌色紙|“Akebonoya” waka poem
early 17th century
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 · 1558–1638
Famed as a calligrapher, artist, and sword connoisseur.