Spring and Autumn Quatrains [pt. 2 by Hattori Nankaku

Spring and Autumn Quatrains [pt. 2 c. 18th century

ink-on-paper, hanging-scroll

word art style

pattern out of typography

calligraphy

hand-lettering

hand drawn type

feminine typography

hand lettering

japan

ink-on-paper

word art

hanging-scroll

hand-drawn typeface

calligraphic

calligraphy

This hanging scroll, created by Hattori Nankaku in the 18th century, is a work of Japanese calligraphy, also known as *shodo*. Nankaku, a renowned calligrapher of the Edo period, masterfully executes the characters of the *Spring and Autumn Quatrains*, showcasing the dynamic strokes and expressive power of this traditional art form. The piece exemplifies the beauty and elegance of *kanji* script, inviting viewers to appreciate the visual rhythm and artistic intention behind the written word. This work, currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japanese calligraphy.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Hattori’s poem describes the seasonal festivities of spring and autumn, and makes a number of references to Chinese court culture to create an air of sumptuousness. The references include the “Five-Horse Prefect”—a high ranking official allowed to retain a fleet of horses; Mount Li, where the first Chinese emperor was entombed; and the “pearl studded slippers” worn by the prostitutes of an infamously extravagant lord. The Five-Horse Prefect rides the spring wind, flowers seem to fly,Mount Li in the Second Month, vying in perfumed fragrance!If he should spend the next ten days getting really drunk,No need to ask for friendship from men of cotton clothes!A noble feast among autumn colors, rain densely falling;Amber cups so frozen we simply can’t get drunk.In days of old, we’ve heard of Orchid Terrace ladies, lovely as jade,And now we turn to view pearl slippers, guests numerous as clouds!