Artwork
「一陽連文房四友 硯 伯英」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Chinese Calligrapher Boying (Japanese: Hakuei; also known as the “Sage of Cursive Script”); “Inkstone” (Suzuri), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū) From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
「一陽連文房四友 硯 伯英」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Chinese Calligrapher Boying (Japanese: Hakuei; also known as the “Sage of Cursive Script”); “Inkstone” (Suzuri), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū) From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, 'The Chinese Calligrapher Boying; Inkstone,' is part of the Spring Rain Collection, a series of surimono prints created around 1827 by Yashima Gakutei, a Japanese artist and poet.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Boying, a legendary Chinese calligrapher, kneeling beside an inkstand, poised to write. The serene landscape behind him and the quiet atmosphere evoke the contemplative moment before creative expression.
Technique & Style
Rendered in ink and color on paper, the surimono print showcases Gakutei's skill in this refined format. As a pupil of Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai, Gakutei brought a nuanced touch to his work, characteristic of his contributions to kyōka poetry and surimono prints.
Context
This print is part of a series celebrating the 'Four Friends of the Writing Table,' a theme that highlights the significance of writing tools in artistic creation. It captures the stillness before the act of writing, underscoring the importance of preparation in the creative process.
Artist & collection
Artist
Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.
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Osaka Tenmangu sairei no zu|The Tenmangu Festival at Osaka
「一陽連文房四友 筆 道風」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Heian Court Calligrapher Ono no Tōfū (894–966); “Calligraphy Brush” (Fude), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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『和歌三神』 柿本人麻呂|Kakinomoto no Hitomaro (ca. 662–710), One of the Three Gods of PoetryFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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「一陽連文房四友 紙 女凢」『春雨集』 摺物帖 |Nuji (Japanese: Joki; female attendant who compiled writings by Daoist sages); “Paper” (Kami), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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Taira no Kanemori of the Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals
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Ichikawa Raizo as Abe no Seimei
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『浅草側いせ暦』 文房具と梅熨斗『春雨集』 摺物帖 |“Desk with Writing Set and Plum Flowers,” from the series Ise Calendars for the Asakusa Group (Asakusa-gawa Ise goyomi)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2