Title: A Selection of Six Tanzaku Strips by Various Calligraphers, Circa 1500-1650. Illuminated Manuscripts on Paper
Author: Two Pieces with Attribution to One Koetsu (Hon'ami Kōetsu?)
Condition: Very Good
A Late Muromachi to Early Edo Period, 16th to mid 17th century selection of six tanzaku format strips of poetry by various calligraphers.
Each strip is written in a fine hand, and each piece has been painted and illuminated beautifully, with gold spray, golden reeds, and floral gatherings in the background.
Three of the strips have appraisal seals, though the original labels are lacking. Two later labels have been added however, stating an attribution to one Koetsu, as well as a transcription of the poetry itself. Whether this is a stated attribution to the famed calligrapher Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558-1637) or a follower utilizing Koetsu’s style, is difficult to say, though it does not seem to be of his hand.
Six tanzaku format strips of illuminated poetry on paper, 31.2 x 5.4 cm smaller example to 36.7 x 6 cm largest
These manuscripts are in very good shape, with minor rubbing and wear to each piece.