Hanshan and Shide
Yosa Buson Japanese
This diptych by the poet-painter Yosa Buson portrays a pair of quasi-historical Chan eccentrics of the eighth century. On the right, the carefree Hanshan (Japanese: Kanzan) carries a scroll for writing poetry. Shide (Japanese: Jittoku), seen from behind, is partly obscured by a large bamboo hat; the broom he holds recalls his role as a temple janitor. Hanshan and Shide represent the iconoclastic quest of Zen Buddhism and were a popular theme in painting and poetry.
Buson employed brusque brushwork complemented by pale color washes. The flowing robes are outlined with a large brush, demonstrating calligraphic bravura. For the hair, Buson’s use of a dry and forked brush over wet ink washes creates a tousled, rough quality that captures the hermits’ untamed nature.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
