Untitled

Gion Nankai

probably late 1730s · Set of twelve unmounted sheets of paper (originally a pair of six-panel folding screens); ink on paper · Asian Art

Gion Nankai is recognized as one of the great pioneers of the literati painting and calligraphy movement of the early eighteenth century, in addition to being celebrated for his poetry in Chinese. This series of twelve poems, each themed according to the corresponding month of the year, showcases an impressive array of Chinese calligraphy styles. Gion attributes four of the calligraphy styles to Ming-dynasty masters: for the fourth month, Dong Qichang (1555–1636); for the fifth month, Zhang Ruitu (1570–1641); for the eighth month, Wen Zhengming (1470–1559); and for the ninth month, Wang Baigu (1535–1612). Although the styles, as executed by Gion, do not exactly correlate with the hands of these famed predecessors, Gion’s gesture of attribution nevertheless reflects his deep admiration for their work.

Artist

Gion Nankai

Date

probably late 1730s

Medium

Set of twelve unmounted sheets of paper (originally a pair of six-panel folding screens); ink on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Stephen Addiss, in honor of John T. Carpenter, 2016