Letter to Kyūchō c. 19th century

This is a letter written in *kanji* by the Japanese artist Hoashi Kyōu, a prominent calligrapher active in the 19th century. The *kanji* characters are written with a dynamic and expressive stroke, showcasing the artist's skill in *shodō* (Japanese calligraphy). The *kanji* are arranged in vertical columns, a common format for letter writing in East Asia, and the script's flow and rhythm are evidence of the artist's masterful control of the brush. The letter is addressed to Kyūchō, and while the exact content is unknown, the letter offers a fascinating insight into Kyōu's artistic practice and the social world of 19th-century Japan.