Seals and a Carved Lacquer Container for Seal Ink 1817

Kitao Shigemasa's "Seals and a Carved Lacquer Container for Seal Ink" (1817) is a woodblock print that depicts a close-up view of various tools and materials used in Japanese calligraphy. The artwork features a carved lacquer container for seal ink, two seals, a sheet of paper, and an inkstone. Shigemasa, a prominent artist of the Edo period, is known for his detailed and precise depictions of everyday objects. This print showcases his skill in capturing the subtle textures and nuances of the materials, offering a glimpse into the artistry of Japanese calligraphy. The print's simple composition and emphasis on the tools used in calligraphy make it a captivating study of everyday objects transformed into works of art.