与謝蕪村筆　寒山拾得図|Hanshan and Shide

Yosa Buson 与謝蕪村

early 1770s · Pair of hanging scrolls; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

This diptych by the poet-painter Yosa Buson portrays a pair of quasi-historical Chan eccentrics of the eighth century. On the right, the carefree Hanshan (Japanese: Kanzan) carries a scroll for writing poetry. Shide (Japanese: Jittoku), seen from behind, is partly obscured by a large bamboo hat; the broom he holds recalls his role as a temple janitor. Hanshan and Shide represent the iconoclastic quest of Zen Buddhism and were a popular theme in painting and poetry. Buson employed brusque brushwork complemented by pale color washes. The flowing robes are outlined with a large brush, demonstrating calligraphic bravura. For the hair, Buson’s use of a dry and forked brush over wet ink washes creates a tousled, rough quality that captures the hermits’ untamed nature.

Artist

Yosa Buson 与謝蕪村

Date

early 1770s

Medium

Pair of hanging scrolls; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2022