Bring the Qin c. 17th century

ink-on-paper, hanging-scroll

toned paper

hand-lettering

lettering

hand drawn type

typography

hand lettering

japan

ink-on-paper

hanging-scroll

hand-drawn typeface

calligraphic

watercolor

calligraphy

small lettering

"Bring the Qin" is a 17th-century hanging scroll by the Japanese calligrapher Nakae Tōjū (1608-1648), currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The work features bold black ink strokes that form the characters for "Qin" (琴), a traditional Chinese musical instrument. Tōjū's calligraphy is known for its dynamic brushwork and expressive forms, reflecting the influence of the powerful and evocative style of Zen Buddhism. This work demonstrates his ability to convey both the visual and spiritual essence of the characters, offering a glimpse into the calligraphic art of early Edo period Japan.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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“Bring the Qin” 抱琴, written by Nakai with a relatively dry brush, refers to the final line of a poem by the Tang dynasty literatus Li Bai (701–762). The qin is a seven string instrument that is plucked. Li Bai’s poem, entitled “Drinking with a Hermit in the Mountains,” reads: Two of us drinking together as mountain blossoms open;One cup, another cup, still one more cup—I’m feeling a bit drunk and the time has come for you to depart,But tomorrow morning, if you like, come again and bring the qin!