Poems by Husband and Wife c. mid 19th century

Ōkura Ryūzan created this calligraphy, Poems by Husband and Wife, with ink on paper. The script, with its dynamic interplay of thick and thin strokes, embodies the essence of East Asian calligraphy. More than just writing, it’s a dance, a visual echo of the poems’ sentiments. The characters themselves are symbols, each brushstroke pregnant with meaning, echoing the emotions of the writers. Consider, for instance, the recurring motif of water. In many cultures, including those of East Asia, water represents fluidity, change, and the subconscious. It is a symbol present across time, from ancient Greek myths to Renaissance paintings. Here, in Ryūzan’s calligraphy, it may reflect the ebb and flow of marital life, the constant negotiation of emotions, and the deep currents of understanding between husband and wife. This interplay engages viewers on a profound, subconscious level. Notice the non-linear, cyclical progression of water and its symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.