Two Poems from One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets 1615 - 1620

This scroll was made by Hon'ami Kōetsu, a versatile artist of the Edo period, using ink on paper. The flowing calligraphy and subtly rendered leaves aren't just about skillful brushwork; they speak volumes about the refined culture of the time. Kōetsu was deeply involved with the production of paper, even cultivating his own plants for its making, and was obsessed with calligraphy, making it a central aspect of his artistic practice. Look closely, and you’ll see that the ink varies in tone and texture. This wasn't accidental; Kōetsu carefully controlled the dilution of the ink, the pressure of his brush, and the speed of his strokes to create depth and movement. This piece is taken from a set of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets, and reflects the value placed on handmade objects in Japanese society. Kōetsu's work elevated calligraphy and papermaking to high art, blurring the lines between craft and fine art. He was, above all, deeply committed to his materials.