Brush (Fude), the Third Companion with Ono no TōfÅ«, from the series Four Companions of the Writing Studio for the Ichiyō Circle (Ichiyōren bumbō shiyÅ«) c. 1827

Editor: Here we have Yashima Gakutei's woodblock print, "Brush (Fude), the Third Companion with Ono no TōfÅ«," part of the series "Four Companions of the Writing Studio." The detail in the kimono's pattern is amazing. What is your interpretation of this scene? Curator: The image presents Ono no TōfÅ«, a historical figure celebrated for his calligraphy, highlighting the importance of the brush in Japanese art and culture. Gakutei situates TōfÅ« within a lineage of artistic and intellectual excellence. How does the print speak to ideas of tradition and artistic identity? Editor: I see the tradition, especially in the writing tools, but I hadn't considered how it connects to the artist's identity. Curator: Consider the social context of the Ichiyō Circle, for whom this series was made. They were a group of artists exploring new forms of expression while still honoring the past. Gakutei subtly acknowledges that tension. Editor: So it’s a conversation between honoring the past and embracing the future! Thank you.