A Confucian principle

This hanging scroll was created by Itsuzan in 18th-century Japan. Executed in ink on paper, it presents a Confucian principle. During Itsuzan’s lifetime, Confucian ideals were often used to reinforce hierarchical social structures. This work reflects an era when personal expression navigated established cultural norms. Itsuzan, himself, was a complex figure, deeply influenced by both Confucianism and more individualistic philosophies. The bold calligraphy embodies a tension between discipline and freedom, reflecting the artist’s negotiation between societal expectations and personal identity. We are invited to consider how systems of thought shape individual actions and artistic expression, and to think about our own negotiation between self and society.