Two Kyōka (Playful Thirty-One- Syllable Verse) 1819

"Two Kyōka (Playful Thirty-One- Syllable Verse)" is a hanging scroll created in 1819 by the Japanese artist Shokusanjin (Ōta Nanpo). This work of calligraphy, which is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features two poems written in the "kyōka" style. This form of poetry, popular during the Edo Period, emphasizes humor and wit. The flowing, expressive strokes of Shokusanjin's brushwork showcase his mastery of calligraphy and his ability to capture the essence of the playful verses. This piece is a testament to the enduring power of Japanese poetic traditions and the beauty of elegant, expressive calligraphy.