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Poem by Onakatomi Yoshinobu with Underpainting of Hollyhocks

Calligraphy by Shōkadō Shōjō Japanese
Underpainting attributed to Tawaraya Sōtatsu Japanese
early 17th century
Not on view
The honorific “Three Brushes of the Kan’ei Era” was given to Shōkadō Shōjō, Hon’ami Kōetsu (1558–1637), and Konoe Nobutada (1565–1614), all of whom were active in the Kyoto area. Both Shōjō, a Shingon monk, and Kōetsu, who worked as a ceramist and lacquer designer, turned to the painter Tawaraya Sōtatsu and his studio to create underpaintings for their calligraphic work. Here, Shōjō transcribed an ancient poem exalting the emperor by Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu (921–991). The choice of poem and Shōjō’s fluid kana calligraphy reflect the renewed interest in classical literature that blossomed around the early 1600s.

Chitose made
kagireru matsu mo
kyō yori wa
kimi hikarete
yorozuyo ya hemu

Though pine trees may
live a thousand years,
the pine shoot plucked
by His Majesty, however,
will flourish forever.
–Trans. John T. Carpenter

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 松花堂昭乗書・伝俵屋宗達下絵 和歌色紙
  • Title: Poem by Onakatomi Yoshinobu with Underpainting of Hollyhocks
  • Artist: Calligraphy by Shōkadō Shōjō (Japanese, 1584?–1639)
  • Artist: Underpainting attributed to Tawaraya Sōtatsu (Japanese, ca. 1570–ca. 1640)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Poem card (shikishi) mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, gold, and silver on colored paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 7 15/16 x 6 15/16 in. (20.2 x 17.6 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 53 1/4 x 20 5/8 in. (135.3 x 52.4 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 53 1/4 x 23 in. (135.3 x 58.4 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Mrs. Jackson Burke Gift, 1979
  • Object Number: 1979.407.1
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
Poem by Kamo no Chōmei with Underpainting of Cherry Blossoms, Hon'ami Kōetsu Japanese, Poem card (shikishi) mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, gold, and silver on paper, Japan
Poem by Kamo no Chōmei with Underpainting of Cherry Blossoms
Calligraphy by Hon'ami Kōetsu
Underpainting attributed to Tawaraya Sōtatsu
1606
Poem by Fujiwara no Okikaze with Underpainting of Clematis , Shōkadō Shōjō 松花堂昭乗 Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink, gold, and silver on colored paper, Japan

Poem by Fujiwara no Okikaze with Underpainting of Clematis

Calligraphy by Shōkadō Shōjō 松花堂昭乗
Underpainting attributed to Tawaraya Sōtatsu 俵屋宗達
early 17th century
Sparrow on Plum Branch (Ume ni Suzume), Shōkadō Shōjō Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan
Sparrow on Plum Branch (Ume ni Suzume)
Attributed to Shōkadō Shōjō
Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>), Saotome Ietada Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, gilt copper, Japanese
Armor (Gusoku)
Armorer Helmet bowl signed Saotome Ietada
Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
16th and 18th centuries
“A Lovely Garland” (Tamakazura), from The Tale of Genji, Tosa Mitsuyoshi 土佐光吉 Japanese, Album leaves mounted as a pair of hanging scrolls; ink, gold, silver, and color on paper, Japan
“A Lovely Garland” (Tamakazura), from The Tale of Genji
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