Waka Poems with Corrections late 18th - early 19th century

These 'Waka Poems with Corrections' were made by Kan Chazan in Japan, using ink on paper. Take a closer look and you'll notice the delicate brushstrokes that form the characters, flowing across the surface. Chazan's work invites us to consider the profound connection between material and meaning. Ink, the vehicle for his thoughts, is more than just pigment, it’s a substance with its own inherent qualities of fluidity and depth. Through this medium, Chazan engages with skilled traditions of calligraphy and poetry. Each stroke reflects hours of practice, and the pursuit of mastery. It is a physical record of the artist's labor, evident in the careful arrangement of each character. You’ll notice the corrections, marked in red ink, a sign that the artist wasn’t just invested in the appearance of the poem, but also in its essence. Ultimately, this work reminds us that materials and making are not merely technical considerations. They are integral to the social, cultural, and personal significance of the artwork.