Letter c. mid 19th century

This letter was created by Kikuchi Gozan in Japan during the Edo period with ink on paper. Kikuchi Gozan was a Confucian scholar and calligrapher during a time of significant social and intellectual change in Japan. Calligraphy was more than just a way to communicate, it was a deeply respected art form tied to personal expression and social status. Confucian ideals emphasized moral cultivation and social harmony, influencing the aesthetics of calligraphy by valuing balance, harmony, and refinement. This piece reflects those ideals. The flowing brushstrokes carry both a personal message and a connection to the broader cultural values of the time. The act of writing itself becomes a form of self-expression and cultural affirmation, a way of negotiating personal identity within the framework of social expectations and artistic traditions.