A Cypress Tree in the Front Garden

1959

Not on view

This powerful calligraphy was executed with brush and ink by Munakata Shikō, who is best known for woodcuts from blocks he carved himself (unlike other print designers). Many of his compositions are based on Buddhist themes and exhibit an artless style derived from Mingei folk art. The Mingei movement, founded by Yanagi Sōetsu (1889–1961), found beauty in utilitarian objects and the craftsmanship of ordinary people; numerous examples of bamboo basketry are regarded as Mingei works.

In this piece, the phrase “a cypress tree in the front garden” serves as the seemingly irrational response to a Zen koan (a riddle that deliberately abandons logical reasoning): “What is the meaning of the Founder [of Zen] coming from the West [India]?” The brushwork embodies the strength and vitality of Munakata’s work.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

棟方志功書「庭前柏樹子」
Title: A Cypress Tree in the Front Garden
Artist: Munakata Shikō (Japanese, 1903–1975)
Period: Shōwa period (1926–89)
Date: 1959
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions: Overall with mounting: 87 3/4 × 18 3/4 in. (222.9 × 47.6 cm)
Image: 53 1/4 × 13 1/2 in. (135.3 × 34.3 cm)
Overall with knobs: 21 5/8 in. (54.9 cm)
Classification: Calligraphy
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.9.11
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Munakata Shikō

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Gautama and Bodhisattvas, Munakata Shikō Japanese, Woodcut — Gautama and Bodhisattvas
Munakata Shikō
1958

Maudgalyāyana, Master of Supernatural Forces, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha, Munakata Shikō Japanese, Framed woodblock prints; ink on paper, Japan — Maudgalyāyana, Master of Supernatural Forces, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha
Munakata Shikō
1939/1948 (blocks carved), 1960 (printed)

Anirhudda, Maśter of Supernatural Vision, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha, Munakata Shikō Japanese, Framed woodblock print; ink on paper, Japan — Anirhudda, Maśter of Supernatural Vision, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha
Munakata Shikō
1939/1948 (blocks carved), 1960 (printed)

Śāriputra, Master of Wisdom, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha, Munakata Shikō Japanese, Framed woodblock print; ink on paper, Japan — Śāriputra, Master of Wisdom, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha
Munakata Shikō
1939/1948 (blocks carved), 1960 (printed)

Ananda, Master of Memory and Learning, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha, Munakata Shikō Japanese, Framed woodblock print; ink on paper, Japan — Ananda, Master of Memory and Learning, from the series Ten Great Disciples of Buddha
Munakata Shikō
1939/1948 (blocks carved), 1960 (printed)

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