Five-word Phrase c. 19th century

This 19th-century fan by the Japanese artist Maki Ryōtan (1846-1886) showcases the elegance of calligraphy. The delicate brushstrokes in black ink create a dynamic and balanced composition on the fan's paper surface. The text, likely a poetic verse or a proverb, is a testament to the art of calligraphy, showcasing the artist's skill and mastery of brushwork. The fan, now in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a tangible example of Japanese artistic traditions and the beauty of written language.