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Monk in a Landscape, 1400s. Creator: Ikky? S?jun (Japanese, 1394-1481)
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Monk in a Landscape, 1400s. Creator: Ikky? S?jun (Japanese, 1394-1481)
Monk in a Landscape, 1400s. A monk sits in contemplation beneath a cliff, perhaps a visual reference to the time the Buddha Shakyamuni, or the historical Buddha, spent meditating in the wilderness. The lone figure is an apt subject for the works creator, the monk Ikkyu Sojun. Though Ikkyu was abbot of the Zen temple Daitokuji later in life, he often lamented the level of corruption to which mainstream Buddhism had fallen during his lifetime, stemming from its close ties to the government at the time. The poem on the painting refers to an important feature of Rinzai school Zen training, in which the meaning of phrases called koan are contemplated as a means toward deeper spiritual insight. The poem reads: Monk in the Mountains, in the style of Chosho For what purpose did the Rinzai Monk Tokusan live in the mountains? For thirty years he pondered a koan with a pure mind Falling asleep in the quiet of the tall pines
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 19637196
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1392 1573 Hanging Scroll Ink On Paper Muromachi Period
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Monk in a Landscape, 1400s - A Glimpse into the Spiritual Journey of Ikkyu Sojun
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures the essence of Zen Buddhism through the serene image of a monk deep in contemplation. Created by Ikkyu Sojun, a renowned Japanese monk and artist during the Muromachi period, this artwork reflects his disillusionment with mainstream Buddhism's corruption. The solitary figure sitting beneath a towering cliff evokes references to Buddha Shakyamuni's time spent meditating in the wilderness. It symbolizes an escape from worldly distractions and an invitation to delve into profound introspection. Ikkyu Sojun was not only an accomplished artist but also served as abbot of Daitokuji temple later in life. However, he often expressed his dismay at how mainstream Buddhism had strayed due to its close association with government power during that era. The poem inscribed on the painting adds another layer of meaning. It alludes to Rinzai school Zen training, where practitioners contemplate koans—phrases intended to provoke deeper spiritual insight. The verse speaks about Tokusan, a Rinzai Monk who dedicated thirty years pondering a koan with unwavering focus amidst the tranquility of tall pines. Through ink on paper technique, Ikkyu masterfully conveys both visual beauty and spiritual depth within this hanging scroll. This heritage art piece now resides at The Cleveland Museum of Art—a testament to its enduring significance. As we gaze upon this mesmerizing print, we are invited to join Ikkyu Sojun on his quest for enlightenment and reflect upon our own journey towards inner peace and wisdom.
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