Explore the rich history of Japanese calligraphy, from traditional forms to contemporary interpretations. This installation features works in our collection from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, showcasing the many varieties of calligraphy as an art form.
At the center of the exhibition is a new addition to our collection: Five Poems, by well-known priest Ryōkan (1758–1831). Learn about this large ink-on-paper screen from the late Edo period alongside traditional stationery tools—such as an inkstone and a water dropper—as well as prints, furniture, and posters that feature calligraphic scripts.