Poems from the Shinkokin wakashū

Currently not on view

Poems from the Shinkokin wakashū

Early 17th century

Hon'ami Kōetsu (Japanese, 1558–1637)

In this scroll Kōetsu brushed twelve love poems over gold and silver woodblock-printed designs of ivy, mehishiba (a type of crabgrass), and wisteria. On the reverse butterflies printed in gold and silver appear in random patterns, creating another visual layer as the scroll is unrolled.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Poems from the Shinkokin wakashū

Date:

Early 17th century

Artist:

Hon'ami Kōetsu (Japanese, 1558–1637)

Medium:

Ink, gold, and silver on paper; mounted as a handscroll

Dimensions:

13 5/16 inches × 27 feet 2 3/4 inches (33.8 × 830 cm) Mount: 14 1/8 inches × 28 feet 4 3/8 inches (35.8 × 864.5 cm)

Classification:

Calligraphy

Credit Line:

125th Anniversary Acquisition. Purchased with funds contributed by the members of the Committee on East Asian Art, 1999

Accession Number:

1999-39-1

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Currently not on view