雲溪永怡筆 太虛祥廓賛 枝に小禽図|Bird on a Branch

Daiko Shōkaku|Unkei Eii

early 16th century · Hanging scroll; ink on paper · Asian Art

This work features dry and spontaneous brushwork that captures the moment a small bird (a titmouse) has alighted on a wizened branch. The brusque calligraphy by Daitokuji temple prelate Daiko Shōkaku cites a verse by the well-known Zen monk-poet Son’an (Kisei Reigen, 1402–1488). The poem reads: In the forest, when evening comes birds retire and nest together. Coupled birds remain in flight, their joined wings letting them soar, not looking for a place to spend the night. —Translation after Miyeko Murase

Artist

Daiko Shōkaku|Unkei Eii

Date

early 16th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015