Letter to Tomioka Tessai, late 19th century
Ōtagaki Rengetsuexpand_more
Ink on paperexpand_more
Gift of Stephen Addiss and Audrey Yoshiko Seoexpand_more 2013.63.6
On View in Gallery 253expand_more
Open, rounded forms are characteristic of Rengetsu's style. Chinese characters (kanji) and Japanese syllables (kana) flow rapidly, mostly without lifting the brush. A Buddhist nun, Rengetsu has become a popular figure in the West—she lived through tragedy, losing two husbands and a child, and supported herself by making pottery and calligraphy. This letter, written in a free, informal style, is addressed to her friend, the painter Tomioka Tessai (1836–1924), who was becoming the most successful literati painter in Kyoto at that time.
“I imagine that you are very busy, but please paint for me on these five sheets of paper. I’m really sorry for the small amount of reward you will receive but I hope you can grant my request. Please paint bamboo and pine on the marked sheets, and kinuta [fulling blocks, or mallets, for pounding cloth] on the two that are unmarked. I will visit before long and talk with you; that's all for now.
For Tomioka-sama, Rengetsu”
Details
- Title
- Letter to Tomioka Tessai
- Artist Life
- 1791 - 1875
- Role
- Calligrapher
- Accession Number
- 2013.63.6
- 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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