three characters written horizontally across white sheet; reddish-orange rectangular intaglio stamp URC; four vertical, smaller characters at L; two large square stamps at far L: top stamp contains four squares, three of which are intaglio, the fourth is relief; bottom square with thick outline is relief

Laziness is Truth, late 19th-mid 20th century

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Little is known about Kawamura, a woman calligrapher who was active in the early twentieth century.

Born in modern-day Shizuoka prefecture to the west of Tokyo, she was born into a scholarly family who focused on Chinese literature.
Kawamura excerpted this enigmatic statement from a poem by the Chinese poet Du Fu: “I come close up to recognize the elder in Emei Mountain, he knows my principle that laziness is truth.” In the original poem, Du Fu expresses his lack of interest in pursuing secular wealth and power. Kawamura displays her knowledge of Chinese poetry and
calligraphy in these three characters, written in clerical script.
懶是真
Laziness is Truth

Details
Title
Laziness is Truth
Artist Life
born 1886
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.29.218
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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three characters written horizontally across white sheet; reddish-orange rectangular intaglio stamp URC; four vertical, smaller characters at L; two large square stamps at far L: top stamp contains four squares, three of which are intaglio, the fourth is relief; bottom square with thick outline is relief