Japanese Hanging Calligraphy Scroll Keigetsu Omachi with Collector Box

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A mounted calligraphy hanging scroll (Kakejiku) by Japanese poet and calligrapher Omachi Keigetsu (1869-1925) circa 1900s, late Meiji or Tasho … Read more A mounted calligraphy hanging scroll (Kakejiku) by Japanese poet and calligrapher Omachi Keigetsu (1869-1925) circa 1900s, late Meiji or Tasho period. The inkwork in cursive calligraphy is a composed four-line poem dedicated to the "Four Gentlemen of Flora". Originated in Chinese literature, scholars traditionally grouped Orchid, Plum Blossom, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum and applied their individual character to represent four seasons. These merits were further used to allude to man's characters as metaphors. Much artwork and literature feature the "Four Gentlemen" as the main subject in both China and Japan's long history.
The scroll was mounted within a teal-blue brocade, and it was signed by the artist and bears his two red seals. The work has been stored in a collector's custom-made tomobako which was inscribed with the collector's name (Namyue, alludes to the Heng Mountain in China) and the title of the work as shown.
The poem has four lines, each paying odd to one of the four gentlemen.
The beauty hides in the depth of the valley (Orchid);
The noble lives among the white snow (Plum Blossom);
Standing upright and green in the Spring Rains (Bamboo);
Sillage of the fragrant lingers in the Autumn Wind (Chrysanthemum).

Omachi Keigetsu (1869-1925) was a prominent and influential Japanese poet, essayist and literary critic. His birth name was Yoshie Omachi. He authored over 200 books, including poetry, historical biographies, and travelogues. Keigetsu sake from the Tosa Brewing Company in Kochi Prefecture pays homage to artist. The brand was named in tribute to his love for travel and sake, as well as the beautiful moon scenery at Katsurahama Shore. See less