Poet Fujiwara no Asatada (910-966) from page 14A of the printed book of "Thirty-Six Immortal Poets" (SanjÅ«rokkasen), Kōetsu edition c. 1610

Curator: So, here we have page 14A from "Thirty-Six Immortal Poets," the Koetsu edition, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a depiction of the poet Fujiwara no Asatada, rendered in calligraphy by Hon'ami Koetsu during the Momoyama period. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its contemplative stillness. The figure seems almost lost in thought, overshadowed by the swirling calligraphy. Curator: It's fascinating how Koetsu blends the portrait with the poetry, almost as if Asatada's essence is inseparable from his words. You can really feel the weight of tradition and the importance of artistry in every brushstroke. Editor: Yes, the composition is brilliantly balanced, though the figure is clearly secondary. The formal elegance of the calligraphy dominates, creating a visual hierarchy. Curator: For me, the beauty of the piece lies in its imperfections. The rough edges, the varied ink tones, they all speak to the humanity of the artist and the poet. It's a dance between image and text. Editor: Indeed, it seems that both form and spirit have to work together to capture the soul of the artist. This piece really underscores the power of visual language.