Hokku poem “On a withered branch” 1680s

This hanging scroll features the calligraphy of a haiku by Matsuo Bashō, a master of the form, from the Edo period. Bashō lived during a time of strict social hierarchy, where one's identity was largely defined by birth and status. Bashō, born into a minor samurai family, chose a different path, embracing poetry and travel. His haiku often reflect a deep connection to nature and a sense of impermanence, themes that resonated with a society experiencing both stability and stifling social constraints. In this hokku, “On a withered branch/A crow is perched/Autumn evening,” Bashō encapsulates a feeling of melancholy, solitude, and acceptance of the natural cycle. The stark image of the crow on a withered branch evokes a sense of loneliness, while the “autumn evening” suggests the decline of life. Bashō’s choice of imagery reflects not only his personal feelings but also the broader cultural values of simplicity and transience. Bashō helps us to contemplate our place in the world, inviting a moment of reflection.