The painting titled Chinese Couplet by Bai Juyi and Waka by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki (partial) from “Japanese and Chinese Poems to Sing” (Wakan rōeishū), created by the renowned artist Konoe Sakihisa, is a masterpiece that encapsulates the refined elegance of Momoyama court calligraphy. This handscroll section, measuring 33.3cm x 47.3cm and crafted on sumptuously decorated paper with chrysanthemums and pampas grasses in gold and silver, showcases the aesthetic sensibilities of the ancient Heian court. The "cloud-patterned paper" (kumogami), featuring blue- and purple-dyed undulating cloud motifs, adds a touch of sophistication to the artwork. The calligrapher, Konoe Sakihisa, a high-ranking courtier-poet, was celebrated for his exceptional talent in calligraphy. Both texts within the painting refer to chrysanthemums and are included in the autumn section of "Japanese and Chinese Poems to Sing," an influential anthology compiled by Fujiwara no Kintō around 1014. The Chinese couplet by Bai Juyi (772–846) is written in kanji, staggered in four columns. At the left are two columns of elegant kana representing the first half of a waka by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki (died ca. 907). This intricate arrangement of texts and decorative elements highlights the artistic skill and attention to detail characteristic of Momoyama court calligraphy. For those interested in exploring more works by Konoe Sakihisa, ArtsDot.com offers a range of his paintings, including Chinese Couplet by Bai Juyi and Waka by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki (partial) from “Japanese and Chinese Poems to Sing” (Wakan rōeishū) and Letter. To delve deeper into the world of Japanese calligraphy, one can also examine the works of other notable artists such as Konoe Nobuhiro and his piece Anthology of Japanese and Chinese Poems (Wakan rōeishū) with Underpainting of Arrowroot Vines, or Fujiwara No Yukinari’s Three Poems from the Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern (Kokin wakashū), one of the Araki Fragments (Araki-gire). These artworks, available on ArtsDot.com, provide a comprehensive look at the evolution and beauty of Japanese calligraphy. For more information on Konoe Sakihisa and his contributions to Japanese art, visit Konoe Sakihisa.

Key Points:

• Artist: Konoe Sakihisa
• Painting Title: Chinese Couplet by Bai Juyi and Waka by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki (partial) from “Japanese and Chinese Poems to Sing” (Wakan rōeishū)
• Medium: Paper
• Date: 601
• Museum: Not specified

This painting is a testament to the enduring legacy of Momoyama court calligraphy, blending artistic expression with poetic depth.