Minneapolis Institute of Art

Su Shi's First Ode to the Red Cliff

Calligrapher: Tōkai Okon

Date

1826

Medium

Hanging scroll, ink on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A female calligrapher and child prodigy, Okon was just 10 years old when she wrote the first of Su Shi's (1037–1101) two Odes to the Red Cliff. She proves her prowess in a long text with rhythmical flowing cursive script. Okon was praised by many literati of her day. At age 10, she even performed in front of the Emperor, who rewarded her with a jade cup. 壬戌之秋七月既望蘇子與客泛舟遊於赤壁之下・・・ Japan, Asia

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