Poem c. mid 19th century

This is a poem brushed onto a fan by Kōno Tettō, active in Japan during the tumultuous final years of the Edo period. Tettō was a Confucian scholar and calligrapher and was heavily involved in the Sonno Joi movement, which sought to expel foreign influence and restore the power of the emperor. During this time, calligraphy, like other art forms, was not just an aesthetic practice, it was deeply entwined with political and cultural ideologies. Tettō’s calligraphy embodies the spirit of resistance and cultural pride that defined many Japanese intellectuals. This fan is an intimate object, reflecting both personal expression and broader societal issues. It serves as a reminder of how art can embody cultural identity and political resistance during times of change.