Hanging scroll c. early 18th century

This hanging scroll, created by Arai Hakuseki (1677–1751) in the early 18th century, is a captivating example of Japanese calligraphy. The artwork, which is currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, features a dense composition of flowing brushstrokes, forming abstract patterns of black ink on a beige background. The work, likely a poem or a philosophical text, demonstrates the artist's mastery of the art form, emphasizing the rhythmic and expressive qualities of Japanese calligraphy.