The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar

Shunsō Joshu Japanese

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.

The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar, Shunsō Joshu (Japanese, 1750–1839), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

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The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar, Shunsō Joshu (Japanese, 1750–1839), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan
The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar, Shunsō Joshu (Japanese, 1750–1839), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

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