Wagtail on a Rock mid-14th century Attributed to Taikyo Genju Near two barren tree branches and a moss-dotted boulder, a wagtail raises its head as if distracted by the poetic inscription above—an allegory on Zen training and the pursuit of enlightenment. Near two withered branches and a moss-pocked boulder, a scraggy wagtail raises his head as if distracted by the inscription above, which is an allegory on Zen training and the pursuit of enlightenment. Both painting and poem were composed by Taiko Genju, a monk and amateur painter who trained with the eminent Yaku? Tokken (1245–1320) at Kench

Wagtail on a Rock mid-14th century Attributed to Taikyo Genju Near two barren tree branches and a moss-dotted boulder, a wagtail raises its head as if distracted by the poetic inscription above—an allegory on Zen training and the pursuit of enlightenment. Near two withered branches and a moss-pocked boulder, a scraggy wagtail raises his head as if distracted by the inscription above, which is an allegory on Zen training and the pursuit of enlightenment. Both painting and poem were composed by Taiko Genju, a monk and amateur painter who trained with the eminent Yaku? Tokken (1245–1320) at Kench?ji in Kamakura before journeying to Yuan-dynasty China to study with Chan (Japanese: Zen) masters like Lingshi Ruzhi (active first half 14th century) in Hangzhou. The poem reads:By a withered tree with no twigs or leaves, A wagtail pecks at a straggle of lichen. Within the rock is a block of jade. When will he manage to dig it out?—Trans. Aaron RioThe pecking of the bird at the rock is compared to the monk’s search for the truth within Wagtail on a Rock. Attributed to Taikyo Genju (Japanese, active mid-14th century). Japan. mid-14th century. Hanging scroll; ink on silk. Nanbokuch? period (1336–92). Paintings

How we Work

Contribute

Legal

Contact Us