Purification Rite 1791 - 1871

"Purification Rite" is a hanging scroll by the renowned Japanese poet and calligrapher Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791–1875). The work, executed in ink on paper, showcases Rengetsu's mastery of calligraphy, a fundamental art form in Japanese culture. Her flowing, dynamic strokes, reminiscent of brushstrokes in painting, reveal a unique visual interpretation of the written word. The work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies Rengetsu's ability to integrate poetry and calligraphy, a testament to her profound artistic sensibility.