Paintings and Calligraphy by Literati of Iga Ueno 1800 - 1833

This screen combines paintings and calligraphy by fifty-six artists associated with the town of Iga Ueno. The collaborative artwork reflects a vibrant local culture of artistic exchange. These artists, known as literati, came together in a fascinating expression of cultural identity. In Japan, the literati tradition valued scholarship, calligraphy, and painting as interconnected art forms. Look at the different styles of writing and brushwork here: they signal a diverse group of individuals, unified by a shared set of values. The artists were located outside of the main urban centers and artistic institutions. Their aesthetic choices could reflect a desire to establish a distinct regional identity, setting themselves apart from trends in the capital. To understand this screen, art historians examine local records, poetry, and biographies of the artists involved, offering insights into the social and intellectual networks that fostered this artistic community.