Famous Early Modern Calligraphers and Painters

late 1700s to mid-1800s

Famous Early Modern Calligraphers and Painters, late 1700s to mid-1800s. Japan, Edo period (1615-1868). Set of two folding-albums; ink and color on silk and paper; each album, closed: 31 x 21 cm (12 3/16 x 8 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mary B. Lee, C. Bingham Blossom, Dudley S. Blossom III, Laurel B. Kovacik, and Elizabeth B. Blossom, in memory of Elizabeth B. Blossom 1972.117 This set of two folding-albums comprises a collection of calligraphies and paintings produced by Japanese artists over a long span of time. Those whose works are represented in the albums were all deeply interested in Chinese culture. They were especially attracted to the idea they found in Chinese society of a community of educated friends who shared works in prose, poetry, and painting among one another through correspondence or gatherings. The covers of both albums are inscribed and sealed by an individual who assembled their contents for posterity.