狩野内膳筆 沢庵宗彭賛 政黄牛・郁山主図|Zheng Huangniu and Yushanzhu

Takuan Sōhō|Kano Naizen

early 17th century · Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper · Asian Art

These two legendary Chinese monks of the Chan (Zen) tradition were often paired in Japanese painting beginning in the early Muromachi period (1392–1573). Shown at right is Zheng Huangniu (Japanese: Seiōgyū), whose name means “Zheng of the Yellow Ox.” He was known for riding such an animal, to which he would attach various objects, including jugs and books. As was common in seventeenth-century and later Japanese examples, here Zheng rides his ox backward. His counterpart is Yushanzhu (Japanese: Ikuzanshu), or “Master of Mount Yu.” Yushanzhu is said to have gained enlightenment after falling from his donkey on a bridge. The poetic inscriptions, rendered in a crisp and brusquely brushed style, are by Takuan Sōhō, one of the most influential Zen monks of his day.

Artist

Takuan Sōhō|Kano Naizen

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

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