The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar

early 19th century

Not on view

Monk Shunsō, a pupil of Reigen and Suiō, followed in the tradition of these and others in the lineage of Hakuin Ekaku in creating dynamically brushed images of famous Zen figures. Here he has depicted the emiment early-medieval monk Daitō Kokushi (Shūhō Myōchō, 1283–1337) in the guise of a beggar in a straw cloak and tattered sedge hat. The monk lived as a recluse for many years in Kyoto, taking refuge under Gojō Bridge. Daitō Kokushi ultimately established his legacy by founding Daitokuji in Kyoto, the great monastic complex of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Hakuin considered Daitō Kokushi to be the head of lineage and thus painted many images of him; Shunsō followed in this tradition.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar
Artist: Shunsō Joshu (Japanese, 1750–1839)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 39 x 11 in. (99.1 x 27.9 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.9.58
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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