Permanence late 18th - early 19th century

Matsumura Goshun created this artwork, Permanence, using ink on paper, during the Edo period in Japan. The Edo period was marked by relative peace and stability under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, a time when artistic and cultural traditions flourished. Yet, this period was also defined by rigid social hierarchies, isolationist policies, and strict moral codes influencing every aspect of life. Goshun, as an artist living in this era, navigated these intricate social dynamics. Trained in traditional Japanese and Chinese painting techniques, he infused his work with personal expression. The bold strokes of ink used to depict the calligraphy embody a sense of strength and permanence, speaking to a desire for steadfastness in a changing world. Consider how the artist uses the medium of calligraphy, traditionally associated with the elite, to convey profound philosophical ideas. The characters appear to dance across the paper, inviting viewers to contemplate the meaning of permanence in their own lives. This piece prompts us to reflect on what endures beyond the transient nature of our existence.