Credo of a Ming Scholar-Amateur, 1839

Details

Ichikawa Beian (1779-1858)
Credo of a Ming Scholar-Amateur, 1839
Signed Beian gai, sealed Shozanrin-do, Ka Sangai in and Ekitenjin
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
51 1/8 x 21 7/8in. (132.0 x 55.7cm.)

Literature

John M. Rosenfield with Fumiko E. Cranston, Extraordinary Persons: Works by Eccentric, Nonconformist Japanese Artists of the Early Modern Era (1580-1868) in the Collection of Kimiko and John Powers, Vol. 2 (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Art Museums, 1999), pp. 166-67, no. 156.

Yoshiaki Shimizu and John M. Rosenfield, Masters of Japanese Calligraphy: 8th-19th Century, exh. cat., (New York: Asia Society and Japan Society, 1984), no. 131.

Exhibited

"Masters of Japanese Calligraphy: 8th-19th Century," New York, Japan House Gallery and Asia Society Galleries, Oct. 4, 1984-Jan. 6, 1985; at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Feb. 15-March 31, 1985; and at the Seattle Art Museum, May 9-July 14, 1985

Special notice

此拍品不设底价

拍品专文

Beian was considered one of the three great calligraphers of the late Edo period, the other two being Maki Ryuko (1776-1843) and Nukina Kaioku (1778-1863). He taught calligraphy to over 5,000 pupils at Koyama Rindo, the school he founded in 1799.

The inscription had been translated:

I read books on righteousness, learn the characters in calligraphy manuals. I clear the mind and meditate, engage in pure conversation with cherished friends, and get half drunk on small servings. I water flowers and plant bamboo, listen to the qin and sport with cranes, burn incense and make tea. I float [idly] in a boat, view the mountains, and philosophize about chess. Even if there are be other enjoyments, I will not change.
Passage from a Ming author, recorded in the seventh month of tsuchinoto-i [1839]

Translation by Fumiko E. Cranston from Extraordinary Persons, Vol. 2 (1999), pp. 166-7.

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