A Song of Unending Sorrow (Chōgonka)

Attributed to Konoe Nobutada Japanese

early 17th century

Not on view

A passage from A Song of Unending Sorrow, by the Chinese poet Bai Juyi (772–846), is brushed in the distinctive style associated with Konoe Nobutada, who was renowned for his highly expressive cursive calligraphy. The extended poem, recounting the tragic story of how the Emperor Xuanzong’s control of the empire was undone by his love for Lady Yang Guifei, resonated with members of palace circles from ancient times onward.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

伝近衛信尹書　『長恨歌』　断簡
Title: A Song of Unending Sorrow (Chōgonka)
Artist: Attributed to Konoe Nobutada (Japanese, 1565–1614)
Period: Momoyama period (1573–1615)
Date: early 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 16 x 12 in. (40.6 x 30.5 cm)
Classification: Calligraphy
Credit Line: Gift of Tomohiko and Kyoko Horie, 2004
Object Number: 2004.261
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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