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Kômusô Monk and Attendant

Soga Shōhaku

Artwork Details

Kômusô Monk and Attendant
18th century
Soga Shōhaku
hanging scroll, ink on paper
48 1/2 in x 19 3/4 in (123.2 cm x 50.1 cm)
Museum Purchase
1963/1.98

On Display

Not currently on display

Description

Subject Matter:

Soga Shōhaku was originally trained in the Kanō school, but is mostly known for his revival of Muromachi period (1333-1573) styles of ink painting that drew from Song (960-1279) and Ming dynasty (1368-1644) works that were imported from China at the time. The subject of a Komusō monk (members of the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism, known for wearing basket-like headdresses obscuring their identity) demonstrates Shōkaku's ability to use few lines to depict an abstracted figural form. 

Physical Description:

This hanging scroll depicts two figures, one with with a head covering and billowing robes holding a staff, and a shorter figure looking out towards the viewer. An inscription is placed in the upper left corner of the image.

Usage Rights:

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