Excerpt from Bai Juyi's Autobiography of a Master of Drunken Poetry Recitation - Fujiwara no Yukinari

A fine art print of a classic Heian period calligraphy scroll by Fujiwara no Yukinari, featuring an excerpt from the works of the poet Bai Juyi.

This work represents a fragment of the 'Autobiography of a Master of Drunken Poetry Recitation' by the Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi, transcribed by the Japanese courtier and calligrapher Fujiwara no Yukinari. Yukinari is recognised as one of the Sanseki, or Three Brush Traces, a group of three masters who defined the aesthetic of Japanese calligraphy during the Heian period. His style marks a departure from the earlier, more rigid Chinese-influenced models, favouring a fluid, graceful, and balanced approach that became the standard for the Japanese court.

The script displays a mastery of brush control, where the pressure and speed of the stroke vary to create a rhythmic visual experience. The characters are arranged in vertical columns, a traditional format that allows the eye to follow the flow of the text with ease. The ink density remains consistent, providing a clear contrast against the aged paper background. This specific excerpt captures the essence of Yukinari's contribution to the development of 'wayo' (Japanese-style) calligraphy, which prioritised elegance and a sense of natural movement over strict adherence to continental forms.

As a piece of historical documentation, this scroll provides insight into the literary tastes of the Japanese aristocracy, who held the works of Bai Juyi in high regard. The transcription itself is a work of art, demonstrating the high level of literacy and artistic skill expected of a high-ranking official in the imperial court. The preservation of such fragments allows for a closer examination of the techniques employed by the masters of the 11th century, offering a window into the refined culture of the Heian era. The print captures the subtle textures of the original ink and paper, ensuring the character of the brushwork remains visible.