A rare and exquisitely handmade haiku calligraphy anthology from the late Meiji era, titled 『香霞吟社句集』(Kōka Ginsha Kushū) — “Haiku Collection of the Kōka Poetry Society.”
This unique volume gathers a series of original haiku written in brush and ink (sumi-e) by multiple poets belonging to a literary circle or ginsha (poetry society). Each page features flowing calligraphy in classical Japanese kana, enhanced with individual red seals (hanko) — signatures of the poets who contributed their verses.
The poems express seasonal reflections, nature imagery, and personal emotion in the refined spirit of the haikai tradition. The handwritten pages reveal subtle variations in rhythm, brush pressure, and ink tone, echoing the Zen-inspired elegance that defines Meiji literary aesthetics.
The exterior bears a delicate ink wash landscape of pines and mountain mist — a serene reminder of the quiet discipline behind this art form.
Likely compiled between 1890–1915, this album serves as both a literary artifact and an artistic calligraphy collection, bridging the worlds of poetry, painting, and meditative practice.
An authentic Meiji haiku calligraphy album, hand-inscribed by members of a historical poetry circle. Ideal for collectors of Japanese calligraphy, haiku literature, or Meiji art culture, and a remarkable study piece on brush technique and poetic society traditions of the period.
