Okakura Kakuzo (Yokohama, 1862 - 1913, Akakura)
Letter to Isabella Stewart Gardner from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 22 November 1910
Ink on paper
Blue Room
Commentary
This letter, penned by Okakura Kakuzo, is written from the voice and perspective of Kowun, a fluffy white kitten that Gardner gifted Okakura. Here, Kowun (speaking through Okakura), introduces itself to Gardner, and offers multiple nicknames that she can use for the cat in events such as ‘moments of tenderness’ or when one is feeling ‘silly’. The nickname “Cochin” seems to have been the one that stuck—further letters ‘from the cat’ are signed with that name.