Hokku poem: On a withered branch - Matsuo Bashō

A fine art print of the famous hokku poem by Matsuo Bashō, featuring his expressive calligraphy on a vertical scroll format.

This piece displays the calligraphy of Matsuo Bashō, the most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan. Bashō is credited with elevating the haiku (then known as hokku) to a serious literary form. The work features the text of his famous poem: 'On a withered branch, a crow has settled, autumn nightfall.'

The calligraphy is presented on a vertical strip of paper, a format often used for hanging scrolls in a tokonoma, or alcove. The ink strokes demonstrate the fluid, expressive nature of Bashō's hand. The characters move down the page with a rhythm that mirrors the quiet observation of the poem itself. The background paper provides a neutral, warm tone that allows the black ink to remain the primary focus.

Bashō's approach to both poetry and calligraphy was influenced by Zen Buddhism. He sought to capture a moment of clarity or a singular image without unnecessary ornamentation. This work reflects that aesthetic, focusing on the spare, direct communication of an idea. The brushwork varies in weight, showing the speed and pressure applied by the poet as he composed the lines.

As a historical document, this print provides a window into the cultural life of seventeenth-century Japan. It captures the intersection of literature and visual art, where the physical act of writing is as important as the words recorded. The composition is balanced and restrained, adhering to the principles of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in simplicity and the passage of time. This print is suitable for those interested in Japanese history, literary arts, or the history of calligraphy.