Hidden Spring c. mid 19th century

Editor: This is "Hidden Spring" by Kōno Tettō, mid 19th century, made with ink on paper. The elegant brushstrokes give the whole piece a fluid, almost dreamlike quality. I’m drawn to how the characters seem to dance on the page. What do you see in this calligraphy? Curator: What strikes me is how each stroke carries so much cultural memory. The way the characters are formed speaks to a deep understanding of tradition, but also hints at individual expression. Calligraphy isn't just about writing, is about revealing the essence of things. Editor: How does it reveal the essence of things? Curator: Well, consider how the artist varies the ink’s density and the brush's pressure. These aren’t arbitrary choices. They echo natural rhythms—the hidden spring perhaps represents renewal and quiet persistence. Do you sense a connection to Zen philosophies? Editor: Absolutely! The implied depth within the flat surface makes me think about Zen gardens and how they invite meditation and contemplation. I guess I'm responding to it emotionally more than intellectually. Curator: Both responses are valid. The strokes have emotional resonance because of the cultural weight, and the practice embedded in each mark. Think of each character as a condensed story or feeling that connects to a broader understanding of the natural world. Calligraphy uses symbolism to transform a blank piece of paper into a portal to experience and understand the artist’s relationship to the world. Editor: That's a beautiful way to put it! Now I understand that calligraphy, at its essence, transcends simple writing. It embodies a whole world of meaning and intention, made visual.