Haiga of a little cuckoo and hydrangea by Yosa Buson (1713-1783)
If haiku is a worldwide phenomenon, haiga (haiku painting) is almost unknown. Yet the major masters all created haiga, as well as haiku calligraphy ...
One reason that haiga have often been painted by Japanese poets is that the tools are the same as in writing -- brush, ink, and paper or silk, with the occasional addition of colors. Poets with great talent in painting like Buson created haiga, but so did those with modest skills like Issa, and both their haiga are esteemed by viewers. In fact, too much technique can be as much a liability as too little, since sincerity and suggestion are more important than obvious mastery and specificity. Therefore not only is the medium the same, but the aesthetics of haiku and haiga are also similar. Brevity, directness, naturalness, simplicity, and allowing the viewer to participate are the most important qualities. True haiga does not invite comments like "What a great painting!" as much as "How delightfully the painting and poem interact!"
--- The Art of Haiku by Stephen Addiss
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