Zen Paintings in Edo Japan (1600-1868) by Aviman Galit;

Author:Aviman, Galit;
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

In the beginning of this chapter, I spoke of the appreciation and respect that exists in Zen thought for rule breakers and free-spirited individuals. Wright emphasizes the fact that this appreciation does not contradict the pre-eminence given to regulation, hierarchy, authority, and constraint; this free attitude is in fact the outcome of such constraint. The three characters presented above, i.e. Kanzan, Jittoku and Bukan, who are the subject of Hakuin and Sengai's paintings together with Hotei, are favorite characters in the Zen tradition. They represent unconventionality, foolishness and humor and express the free attitude that is appreciated in the Zen thought. As Wright describes it, "Zen masters were widely thought to be rule breakers, free-spirited individuals whose 'awakenings' enable them to laugh uproariously in the face of normal social constraint."38

Another eccentric Zen monk, a character of the same type as Kanzan, Jittoku, Bukan and Hotei, who is also a common theme in the tradition of Zen paintings, is the semi-legendary Chinese monk from the ninth century named Kensu 蜆子 (Ch. Xianzi), literally "Clam Priest." He used to wander along lakes and river-banks eating shrimps and clams, despite the Buddhist requirement of adherence to a vegetarian diet. One day, he attained enlightenment while catching a shrimp.39

Although violating this Buddhist law, Kensu is a favorite theme in Zen art. He is depicted often as bald-headed, wearing shabby clothes and holding a shrimp in one hand and a net in the other and is the subject of many Zen ink paintings. Sengai, being part of the Zen ink painting tradition, created numerous paintings of Kensu. Nevertheless, the particular depiction of Kensu by Sengai in the following painting (Figs. 3.4; 3.4a) expresses a free attitude that breaks the patterns of the tradition in many ways.

3.4a Sengai Gibon, Kensn (detail), hanging scroll, ink on paper, 111.3 x 27.8 cm. Idemitsu Museum of Art

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