Crockery Peddler

Artist Matsumura, Goshun (Japanese, 1752–1811)

Dateabout 1780

MediumInk and light colors on paper

Dimensions125.5 x 28.8 cm (49 7/16 x 11 5/16 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift of Sondra Milne Henderson

Terms

Object number2003.138

Label TextA crockery peddler arouses curiosity as he strides in a determined manner through Fukakusa, a district in Kyoto known for its pottery making and other crafts. The old, white-haired man is dressed in his best clothes, with a short sword at his side. Perhaps he is off to show some his wares to a wealthy client. At Fukakusa This seller of pots and pans Treading maple leaves Where the wind blows them— Where does he think he is going? Fukakusa ya kono kawarake no kazetachi e momiji fumiwake izuchiiku ran Goshun, who lived in Kyoto, was a pupil of Yosa Buson (1716-83). Buson not only taught him “literary men’s painting” (bunjinga or Nanga) but also how to compose haiku verses and to complement them with sketches to create haiku paintings (haiga), such as this superb example. The date can be inferred by the artist’s signature, “Gekkei.” Goshun used this artist name before 1781. Goshun later established the Shijo School, named after the street he lived on, and a style that blended the idealism of the Nanga School with the naturalism advocated by Maruyama Okyo (1733-95). Known for his intimate, impressionistic and relaxed style, Goshun attracted numerous followers (including Okamoto Toyohiko) catering to the needs of poets involved in the haikai revival movement.

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