Sun and Moon

Artist Sengai (Japanese, 1750–1837)

Dateearly 19th century

Mediumink on paper

Dimensions137.2 x 30.5 cm (54 x 12 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2003.61

Label Text2004-01-30: SUN AND MOON Calligrapher: Sengai Gibon (1750-1837) Sealed: Sengai Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper Alexander H. Bullock Fund, 2003.61 The calligraphic inscription reads: "The sun and moon compete for their guests!" The words refer to an old Chinese saying, "The sun and moon compete with light." Each cosmic entity tries to outdo the other, to the delight and benefit of human beings-all "guests" on earth. It is difficult to decide which one is more beautiful, the sun or the moon. Furthermore, we should emulate the sun and moon with the light of our virtue, always trying to improve. This elegantly mounted, well-preserved scroll, displays flowing calligraphy in nuances of gray and black by the Rinzai Zen sect monk and artist Sengai. It was owned by tea masters of the Kobori family and hung in the tokonoma (alcove) during tea ceremonies. Numerous anecdotes are told about Sengai partly due to his kind nature and wit. Sengai was elected Rinzai-sect abbot of Shofuku-ji, Fukuoka City, but retired at age sixty-one to spend his days in harmony with nature. People often asked the famous monk for calligraphy or paintings and Sengai seldom refused, using them as a teaching tool. However, when someone once greedily asked Sengai to write "The Thousand Character Essay," he stopped after twenty-eight characters, cleverly adding the words "I forgot the rest."

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