Un eki ro ga (Clouds Moisture Dew Buds)

Artist/Culture Nukina Kaioku (Japanese, 1778–1863)

Date1857

Mediumink on paper

Dimensions31.8 x 54.9 cm (12 1/2 x 21 5/8 in.)
Overall1: 172.8 x 86.1 cm (68 1/16 x 33 7/8 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineEliza S. Paine Fund

Terms

Object number1988.38

DescriptionTwo panel screen
Label TextThe characters "tu-reki-ro-ga," may be understood as "the moisture in the clouds becomes the dew on the buds." The phrase refers to the tranquil and untrammeled life and artistic expression valued by both Chinese and Japanese literati (bunjin). Nukina Kaioku, one of the three greatest calligraphers of the first half of the 19th century, used a large brush and dark ink to imbue his elegant semi-cursive calligraphy (gyosho) with a sense of monumentality and fullness. Kaikoku experimented with a range of calligraphy-and painting-styles within the limits of the bunjin ethos, most often inspired by the works of famous Chinese artists and calligraphers. Born into a samurai family, Kaikoku was expected to follow his father as an archery teacher to members of the Inada daimyo family of Awa province (now Tokushima Prefecture). Instead he dedicated himself to the study of Buddhism, Confucianism, the sencha tea tradition, Kano- and Nanga-style painting, calligraphy, seal carving, and the zither-like musical instrument, the qin. Establishing a private school, "the Hall of Essential Quiet" (Shuseido) in Kyoto, Kaioku attracted many students. He also gained the friendship and respect of patrons and colleagues in varied artistic circles by living an exemplary and honorable life and because of his love of the bunjin custom of travel.ProvenanceFrederick Baekland, New York NY

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