Trip into the Mountain Calligraphy
Artist
Nyoichi, Sokuhi
(Chinese, 1616 – 1671)
Date17th century
Mediumink on paper
Dimensions125.7 x 23.5 cm (49 1/2 x 9 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineStoddard Acquisition Fund
Terms
Object number1999.38
DescriptionCalligraphic hanging scroll in cursive and semi-cursive. Poem written by SokuhiLabel TextSokuhi, a prominent baku sect monk, was an extremely prolific calligrapher and poet. In this work he combines semicursive and cursive modes of writing with fluency and ease. Mastery of brushwork is evident; each line is strongly drawn; each character is powerfully composed. The work is notable for its balance, strength and grace. His poem, is written in 8 lines with 7 characters each. It reads Trip into the mountain, slight awakening, head a little sad, Easily launch a small, light boat to descend the rapid stream. Sunlight brightens on a broad dragon cave; Spray of a spring splashes on a single travel robe. One boat pole in green water, soft blue is clear; South bank of blue peak, Ch=ahan (Chahaer in Mongolia) is cold. Noontime the bell sways at the foot of the turtle-shaped mountain; By the bridge tying the boatCtime for taking a stroll. Translated by Fumiko E. Cranston From Fukien Province, Sokuhi remained in China until 1657 when Ingen, his teacher and the abbot of the baku sect, summoned him to Nagasaki. His fame as a calligrapher was so great he was constantly asked for examples of his writing and admonished people for their greed. One of the Athree brushes of baku@ with Ingen and Mokuan, Sokuhi, like his teacher and his colleague, displays late Ming period characteristics in his work. Each of these calligraphers, however, formed distinctive styles. This painting has an authenticating inscription on its box by Tomioka Tesssai (1836-1924), the great Kyoto-born Nanga school painter. ProvenanceFrederick Baekeland, Toyobi, N.Y.
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