“Akebonoya” waka poem 1600 - 1633

"Akebonoya" waka poem by Hon'ami Kōetsu, a prominent calligrapher and potter from the early Edo period, exemplifies the aesthetics of the time. The poem is inscribed in elegant black ink on a pale background, with touches of gold leaf. The piece showcases Kōetsu's masterful calligraphy, where each brushstroke is imbued with intention and beauty, creating a delicate balance between rhythm and form. The poem, which translates to "Morning Dew," conveys a sense of fleeting beauty and impermanence, aligning with the ideals of wabi-sabi. This artwork is an example of calligraphy, waka, and Japanese art.