Portrait of Yinyuan Longqi

Painting by an unidentified artist
Inscription by Muan Xingtao Chinese

Not on view

This portrait depicts Yinyuan Longqi, the Chinese Chan master who, in 1661, founded the Manpukuji Temple outside Kyoto. Likenesses such as this one would have been displayed and venerated during Buddhist ceremonies and memorial services. The eulogistic inscription is by Yinyuan’s direct disciple Mu’an Xingtao, whose celebrated calligraphy recalls both the religious and the brush-writing mentorship of his master. It reads:

Firmly grasping a staff, he directly points out that a person has no perceptible form.
Nor does a name reflect one’s true identity, which is imperceptible. This truly benevolent person naturally reveals his inherent moral virtue. Upon a sudden understanding of monastic teachings, we can start to perceive things beyond the workaday world.
—Adapted from Jonathan Chaves

Portrait of Yinyuan Longqi, Painting by an unidentified artist , active late 17th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan

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Portrait of Yinyuan Longqi, Painting by an unidentified artist , active late 17th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan
Portrait of Yinyuan Longqi, Painting by an unidentified artist , active late 17th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan
Portrait of Yinyuan Longqi, Painting by an unidentified artist , active late 17th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan
Portrait of Yinyuan Longqi, Painting by an unidentified artist , active late 17th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan
Portrait of Yinyuan Longqi, Painting by an unidentified artist , active late 17th century, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan

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