Bird on a Branch

Unkei Eii Japanese
 Inscribed by Daiko Shōkaku Japanese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 228

This work features dry and spontaneous brushwork that captures the moment a small bird (a titmouse) has alighted on a wizened branch. The brusque calligraphy by Daitokuji temple prelate Daiko Shōkaku cites a verse by the well-known Zen monk-poet Son’an (Kisei Reigen, 1402–1488). The poem reads:

In the forest, when evening comes
birds retire and nest together.
Coupled birds remain in flight,
their joined wings letting them soar,
not looking for a place to spend the night.
—Translation after Miyeko Murase

Bird on a Branch, Unkei Eii (Japanese, active first half of the 16th century), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Bird on a Branch, Unkei Eii (Japanese, active first half of the 16th century), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan
Bird on a Branch, Unkei Eii (Japanese, active first half of the 16th century), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.