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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

Object Information
  • 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

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