Artwork
本阿弥光悦書 木版下絵和歌巻断簡|Twelve Poems from the New Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern
本阿弥光悦書 木版下絵和歌巻断簡|Twelve Poems from the New Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern is an ink painting by the Nihonga artist Hon'ami Kōetsu|Tawaraya Sōtatsu. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1620 by the Japanese calligrapher and painter Hon'ami Kōetsu, this handscroll presents a series of twelve poems rendered in ink and gold on silk. The work combines textual and visual elements, arranging verses alongside delicate landscape motifs that frame each composition.
Subject & Meaning
The scroll draws its content from a compilation that juxtaposes classical verses with contemporary compositions, highlighting a dialogue between historic literary tradition and early‑modern sensibilities. Each poem is paired with a corresponding natural scene, suggesting a contemplative link between the written word and the surrounding environment.
Technique & Style
Kōetsu employs monochrome ink lines accented by gold leaf, a technique that enhances the silk surface while preserving a restrained aesthetic. The brushwork is precise yet fluid, allowing the calligraphic characters to integrate seamlessly with the minimalistic depictions of foliage, water, and sky.
History & Provenance
The scroll originates from the early Edo period, a time when literati culture flourished among Japan’s elite. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 20th century, where it remains catalogued as a representative example of Kōetsu’s interdisciplinary practice.
Context
During the early 1600s, Japanese artists often merged poetry and painting to create a unified visual‑literary experience. Kōetsu’s work reflects this tradition, aligning with the broader Zen‑inspired aesthetic that values simplicity, subtlety, and the harmonious coexistence of text and image.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hon'ami Kōetsu|Tawaraya Sōtatsu
Hon’ami Kōetsu and Tawaraya Sōtatsu turned ink, silver, and gold into floating poetry on paper.
