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Rooster on a Branch

Itō Jakuchū

Artwork Details

Rooster on a Branch
18th century
Itō Jakuchū
hanging scroll, ink on paper
72 x 24 3/4 in. (184.15 x 62.87 cm); ; ; ; ;
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
1965/1.156

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Description

Subject Matter:

Itō Jakuchū is widely known for his depictions of plants and animals in association with Zen Buddhism. The son of a successful merchant family who sold groceries, Jakuchū left the family business to study Zen Buddhism. His numerous depictions of plants and animals are believed to represent the inherent Buddha nature of all living things. The rooster was specifically linked to Zen thought, as the sharp cry of the rooster was likened to the moment of enlightenment. 

Physical Description:

This hanging scroll depicts a chicken executed in rapid brushstrokes, using various shades of black ink. The face of the bird is naturalistically depicted, while its tail feathers are somewhat abstracted. 

Usage Rights:

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