Qin and Calligraphy - Delights c. mid 18th century

Editor: Here we have "Qin and Calligraphy - Delights" by Yanagisawa Kien, created around the mid-18th century using ink on paper. It's striking how these bold, vertical characters dominate the visual space. How would you interpret this work in light of its historical context? Curator: This piece gives us insight into the literati culture of the time. The artist was clearly participating in, and contributing to, a long-standing tradition of scholarly pursuits. Note the strategic arrangement, and try to see past the pure characters. Ask yourself what the cultural purpose of the hanging scroll was? What social function did calligraphy fulfill? Editor: I see... So it's not just about the aesthetic value of the brushstrokes themselves, but about its societal role? Curator: Precisely. Consider that displaying calligraphy was a way to signal one's refinement and learning. Further, calligraphy scrolls were often exchanged among educated people. A skill, here exemplified with the "Qin," representing erudition, that allowed elites to network. What's fascinating is how this object became a kind of social currency. How would the rise of printed material influence the meaning and value associated with the singular handmade artistic act of the painter and/or calligrapher? Editor: That's a helpful connection; seeing how societal values are embedded within it transforms how I appreciate the artwork. Curator: Absolutely. Thinking about how art is a product and producer of social structures enhances our appreciation, doesn't it?