Love of Living in Tranquility c. 19th century

"Love of Living in Tranquility" was painted by Saitō Nansai, using ink on paper. The stark contrast created by the dark, viscous ink against the absorbent paper is visually striking. Calligraphy like this requires incredible precision, and years of disciplined practice. The brushstrokes, applied with a practiced hand, capture the artist’s intention. The writing becomes a direct record of the artist's physical and mental state. This piece shows considerable mastery of the technique. Notice how the brushstrokes vary in thickness and intensity, and the tonal variation in the color of the ink. This imbues the characters with a sense of life and movement. The materials employed are simple, but the artistry and skill required to produce such a piece are considerable. Appreciating the process of the artist helps us understand the work's full significance.