Poem in Regular-Running Script c. 19th century

Tachi Ryūwan created this hanging scroll titled "Poem in Regular-Running Script" at an unknown date. Ryūwan lived during a period of cultural and political transformation in Japan. As a calligrapher, he navigated the rigid social hierarchies of the Edo period, where artistic expression was often tied to one's social standing. The poem inscribed in the artwork uses a classical style to evoke a sense of longing and reflection on nature. Ryūwan’s choice of “regular-running script” is intriguing, suggesting a balance between formal tradition and individual expression. Ryūwan infuses the poem with his emotional and intellectual understanding of the world. "Poem in Regular-Running Script" encapsulates Ryūwan's identity as an artist, scholar, and individual navigating the complexities of his time. It invites us to contemplate the interplay between personal expression, cultural heritage, and societal expectations.