松花堂昭乗書 書簡

Even without deciphering the contents of this informal missive, we can engage with the abstract rhythm of the calligraphy. It is a brilliant example of chirashi-gaki, or “scattered writing,” in which columns of text are arranged out of normal sequence. Letters like this by noted cultural figures could be repurposed for display in the tokonoma alcove for a tea gathering. Shōkadō Shōjō, a Buddhist monk, was lauded as one of the great calligraphers of his day.

Credit: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2018