Portrait of a Zen Monk

early 17th century

Japanese

For Zen Buddhists, the relaxed appearance of an aged monk having a shave captures the innocent frame of mind essential for attaining spiritual enlightenment. The painting master Kaiho Yusho (1533-1615) created portraits of this type-stylized brushwork depicting the monk's robe and the combination of soft and distinct colors are visual characteristics of his later style adapted by followers such as this artist. Although unknown, Moriyoshi Seiyo's skillful brushwork reveals that he likely studied painting with Yusho himself.

Hanging scroll, ink on paper

37 1/8 x 18 1/8in. (94.3 x 46cm)

Gift of Jeanette Taylor, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2006.28

Provenance: In the collection of Alvin Abrams after the mid-1950s; sold at Christie's, New York on March 28, 2006; purchased by Jeanette Taylor for the Seattle Art Museum

Photo: Susan A. Cole

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistoryTokyo, Japan, Suntory Museum of Art, Luminous Jewels: Masterpieces of Asian Art From the Seattle Art Museum, July 25 - Sept. 6, 2009 (Kobe, Japan, Kobe City Museum, Sept. 19 - Dec. 6, 2009; Kofu, Japan, Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art, Dec. 23, 2009 - Feb. 28, 2010; Atami, Japan, MOA Museum of Art, Mar. 13 - May 9, 2010; Fukuoka, Japan, Fukuoka Art Museum, May 23 - July 19, 2010).

Published ReferencesKawai, Masatomo, Yasuhiro Nishioka, Yukiko Sirahara, editors, "Luminous Jewels: Masterpieces of Asian Art From the Seattle Art Museum", 2009, The Yomiuri Shimbun, catalogue number 37

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