Ink and Brush: The Beauty and Spirit of Japanese Calligraphy

Explore the rich history of Japanese calligraphy, from traditional forms to contemporary interpretations. This installation features works in our collection from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, showcasing the many varieties of calligraphy as an art form.

In East Asian cultures, calligraphy, painting, and poetry are often referred to as the “three perfections,” which we can find embodied in the works on display. Through the traces of the ink, the calligraphers not only brushed their writing, but expressed their emotions and ideas.

The works on view in this gallery rotate periodically. Learn more below about the previous rotation, featuring Five Poems by Ryōkan (1758–1831).