Letter

early 17th century

Not on view

Even without deciphering the contents of this informal missive, we can engage with the abstract rhythm of the calligraphy. It is a brilliant example of chirashi-gaki, or “scattered writing,” in which columns of text are arranged out of normal sequence. Letters like this by noted cultural figures could be repurposed for display in the tokonoma alcove for a tea gathering. Shōkadō Shōjō, a Buddhist monk, was lauded as one of the great calligraphers of his day.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

松花堂昭乗書書簡
Title: Letter
Artist: Shōkadō Shōjō (Japanese, 1584?–1639)
Period: Momoyama (1573–1615)
Date: early 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 6 5/8 × 40 15/16 in. (16.8 × 104 cm)
Overall with mounting: 41 1/4 × 41 5/8 in. (104.8 × 105.7 cm)
Overall with knobs: 41 1/4 × 44 1/4 in. (104.8 × 112.4 cm)
Classification: Calligraphy
Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2018
Object Number: 2018.853.11
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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