Buy a giclee of Chinese poem by Hanshan, “My heart is like the autumn moon”

Artwork Description

Baisaō was a monk of the Ōbaku sect Zen Buddhism who was also instrumental in establishing the popularity of sencha, Chinese style of steeped tea, in a country that had elevated the practice of matcha, whipped green tea, into a highly ritualized ceremony. Baisaō, whose name literally means the “old man who sells tea,” caught the attention of Kyotoites as an itinerant tea peddler. His own poetry and calligraphy, rendered in a radically demonstrative manner, was cherished in his own day and in future generations, especially in sencha circles. Following in the tradition of Ōbaku monks of the seventeenth century who established the Chinese style of Zen at Manpukuji in Uji near Kyoto, he nurtured a bold, dynamic but flowing style of calligraphy. Here Baisaō has inscribed not one of his own Chinese verses, but rather a famous five-syllable verse by Han Shan, the iconoclastic Zen- inspired Tang poet whose “Cold Mountain” poems became popular among Japanese tea adepts: 吾心似秋月碧潭清皎潔無物堪比倫教我如何説Waga kokoro shūgetsu ni nitari Hekitan kiyoku shite kōgetsu tari Mono no hirin ni taetaru wa nashi Ware o shite ikan ga tokashimen My heart is like the autumn moonShining clean and clear in the green pool. No, that’s not a good comparison. Tell me, how shall I explain. (Trans. Burton Watson) The inscription is followed by the calligrapher’s signature and seals, and statement that he had reached the ripe old age of 86 when he inscribed this, three years before he died.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and spiritual journey

ko yugai, also known as baisaō, was a japanese buddhist monk of the ōbaku school of zen buddhism, born in 1675 in the town of hasuike, hizen province. his early life was marked by the loss of his father at the age of nine. this event likely influenced his decision to become a zen buddhist monk at ryushinji, an ōbaku temple, where he adopted the name gekkai gensho.

the tea seller and artist

as ko yugai matured in his spiritual journey, he became famous for traveling around kyoto selling tea. this unique approach to spreading zen buddhism's teachings earned him the name baisaō, meaning "the old man who sells tea." his method involved carrying a bamboo tube to collect donations, rather than selling his tea for a fixed price.

artistic contributions

ko yugai's poetry and calligraphy are highly regarded in the zen history of japan, particularly in kyoto where he was well known. his tea shop became an influential hub for artists and poets, making him a friend and confidant to many leading cultural figures of his time.

key artistic contributions:
his poetry reflects a deep understanding of the japanese tea ceremony and its place in japanese culture.
his calligraphy is characterized by its elegance and refinement, often studied and appreciated today.

legacy and later life

in 1745, at the age of seventy, ko yugai renounced his monasticism, changing his name to ko yugai. he stopped selling tea in 1755 but continued to influence japanese art and culture through his work.

notable art pieces:
flowering cherry with poem slips (held at the art institute of chicago, though not directly associated with ko yugai, showcases a similar style and influence)
four accomplishments by kano motonobu (metropolitan museum of art in new york city), reflecting the broader influence of japanese art on the kanō school style

conclusion

ko yugai's life and work continue to inspire, embodying the essence of zen buddhism and its integration with everyday life. his legacy as a tea seller, poet, and calligrapher remains an integral part of japanese cultural history.

explore more:
ko yugai's profile on ArtsDot
the yamato e art movement, reflecting the broader context of japanese art
reisai gukyoku's profile, another influential figure in japanese buddhist art

references:

the bunjinga art movement, for insights into literati painting influences
wikipedia, for general information on zen buddhism and japanese art history

ko yugai

1675 - 1763 , Japan

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Zen Buddhism, Literati painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Basho
- Ryokan
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['', 'Kano Motonobu']
Date Of Birth: 1675, Hashiōke, Japan
Date Of Death: 1763
Full Name: Ko Yugai (baisaō)
Nationality: Japanese
Notable Artworks:
- Flowering cherry with poem slips
- Four accomplishments by Kano Motonobu
Place Of Birth: Hashiōke, Japan

ko yugai: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

Chinese poem by Hanshan, “My heart is like the autumn moon”

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 263

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Customize My Artwork

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price