Haiku 1629 - 1680

This 'Haiku', made by Iwakura Tomonori in Japan during the 17th century, uses ink, color, gold and silver on paper. Consider the materials and processes that bring this image to life. The artist would have had to prepare the paper carefully, treating it to accept the delicate strokes of ink and shimmering gold. These materials - the paper itself, ground pigments for color, precious metals – were not simply applied, but coaxed to interact, creating a dialogue between surface and depth. The flowing calligraphy and subtle washes of color speak of a deep understanding of brushwork and the expressive potential of the simplest marks. Ink painting traditions required years of dedicated practice, a deep level of skill, and a strong sense of aesthetics. Looking at this haiku, we can appreciate not just the image, but the labor, the cultural knowledge, and the sheer dedication that went into its making. This invites us to appreciate how traditional modes of craftsmanship and skill can produce works that are simultaneously simple and complex.