Anthology of Waka and Chinese Poems (Wakan rōei shÅ«) edited by Fujiwara Kintō (966-1041) 12th-14th century

Curator: This handscroll, believed to be by Sadanari Sesonji, presents us with an anthology of Waka and Chinese poems, compiled by Fujiwara Kinto, dating back nearly a millennium. Editor: It's like a captured breath, isn't it? Fragile, yet so assertive. The delicate brushstrokes, the aged paper... it all whispers of ancient elegance. Curator: Indeed. The choice of poems, the calligraphic style - all speak to the cultural and political landscape of the Heian period, when the assimilation of Chinese literary traditions was shaping Japanese identity. Editor: I'm drawn to the rhythm, the ebb and flow of the script... it’s almost musical. And the way the characters dance on the page, like fleeting thoughts. Curator: Absolutely. Calligraphy, at the time, was far more than just writing; it was a profound expression of self, deeply entwined with notions of beauty and refinement, access and power. Editor: It makes you wonder about the hands that held this scroll, the eyes that read these verses. A conversation across centuries, wouldn't you say? Curator: Precisely. A testament to the enduring power of art to connect us to the past, and to each other. Editor: Yes, a little reminder that beauty still exists, even in fragments.