Anthology with Cranes (Thirty-Six Poets Handscroll)

This long handscroll, 34 cm high and 1,356 cm in total length, is designated an Important Cultural Property. It has long been known as a representative work of Hon'ami Koetsu's calligraphy, and it carries decorative paintings by Tawaraya Sotatsu (active 1602-1635).

The only motif is the crane. The flocks that begin at the opening of the scroll are all rendered in gold and silver pigment, some in flight and some resting together. The brushwork is simple, yet the beauty of the silhouettes is said to be unrivaled.

It is regarded as a work in which Sotatsu brought out his individuality to the fullest within the limited task of decorating paper. The image shows part of the scroll, with a flock of cranes, a gold-colored surface and what appears to be a poet's name written in ink.