Tomioka Tessai | Letter

It was pleasure to join the animated party today.
I’m thinking about the fan at yours, with a cup of sake.
 
Indulged in the dizziness of sake
I didn’t think to take a brush.
But then I hesitated to it put back.
Tessai, on the 16th. To Tokuun.
 
Written in a very casual flowing style with the playful image of a brush, this letter is an exam-ple of his late, mature but not so prolific letter writing. - Tomioka Tessai reached the pinnacle of his career in old age, when his physical appearance – flowing, white beard, dark robe and scholar’s hat – resembled that of a Daoist immortal. 
 
Tomioka Tessai (1836-1924)
Ink on paper
13.5 x 38.4 cm (5 1/4 x 15 in.)
Mounting 108 x 53 cm (42 1/2 x 20 3/4 in.)
Some foxing
Later wooden box