Basho's poem
170×Wide base
Oh, the sea, the Milky Way that stretches across Sado
Since ancient times, this island has been rich in gold and is known as a lucky island.
In the far-flung exile land of those who are enemies of the state,
From Matsuo Basho's "Shibabashi"
This poem, which is also included in "Oku no Hosomichi," describes the island of Sado and the Milky Way beyond the dark sea. During the Edo period, Sado was a gold mine under the direct control of the shogunate, but the labor there was harsh. When I go back to my hometown, I look out the window of the train on the Uetsu Main Line at this island floating in the Sea of Japan. In early autumn, the train is often suspended due to strong winds.
22 seals from the Qin, Han and Northern Dynasties
The world of these square squares, where letterforms have been perfected, is fascinating.
The Koji seal in particular is somehow heartwarming and adorable.
It compiles all the copies made to date and also includes rubbings of sealed clay.
The history of seals began with seals made of clay. They were carved with ink and pressed into clay to create beautiful three-dimensional images. It is said that the current form of stamping with red clay on paper, with its fine ink, began to appear after the Ming dynasty.
Imprint References:
Luo Fuyi (ed.), “Existence of official seals of the Qin, Han, and Northern and Southern courts” (Bunbutsu Publishing, 1987)
Sugawara Sekiro (ed.), "Collection of Chinese Seals" (Nigensha, 1997)
