Poet Fujiwara no Kanesuke (877-933) from page 4A of the printed book of "Thirty-Six Immortal Poets" (SanjÅ«rokkasen), Kōetsu edition c. 1610

Editor: Here we have Poet Fujiwara no Kanesuke from the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets series, a woodblock print by Hon'ami Kōetsu. It feels so serene, yet the brushstrokes have such energy. What’s your take on this, looking at it as a whole? Curator: It’s like a dance, isn’t it? The poem seems to cascade down, mirroring the poet’s posture. Notice how the lines aren't just characters, they’re breaths, pauses. Each stroke whispers of Kōetsu's spirit. Do you sense a connection between the figure and the text? Editor: Absolutely, the figure almost seems to be emerging from the calligraphy itself! It’s almost as if the artist is trying to capture the essence of the poem. Curator: Exactly. It is a peek into a poetic soul, centuries distilled into ink and paper. I think I can feel the emotions of the poet. Editor: I totally get that now. It's like the artist is painting a feeling more than a portrait. Curator: Yes! It's really an awakening, wouldn't you agree?