The Momoyama period (1573–1615) was a brief but artistically rich interlude between two long-lasting shogunates, the Muromachi period that preceded it and the Edo period that followed. During this period the feudal barons (daimyo) struggled for control of Japan. The arrival of Portuguese and Dutch merchants and Catholic missionaries brought an influx of foreign goods and new technologies, as well as awareness of foreign religions, including Christianity.

The tea ceremony, a social ritual in which tea is consumed following strict rules, increased in popularity in the Momoyama period. Raku ware tea bowls were particularly prized by the tea masters. Hon’ami Koetsu (1558–1637) was a renowned calligrapher, landscape gardener, potter, lacquer craftsman, and connoisseur; he played a prominent role in Kyoto artistic circles during this period. Koetsu created a small group of raku tea bowls that are today among the most highly valued of all Japanese ceramics. Koetsu’s calligraphy works include scrolls of classical waka poetry brushed onto paper that was decorated with underpainting. His calligraphy is noted for its flowing cursive style and skillful modulations in line thickness. Web resource here.

Hon’ami Koetsu (calligrapher). Painting attributed to Tawaraya Sotatsu. Poem by Kamo no Chomei with Painting of Cherry Blossoms. Momoyama period. 1606. Hanging scroll. Ink, gold, and silver on paper. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.