1927, Hashimoto Dokuzan, Four Sleepers -- National Museum of Asian Art (Washington)
From the museum label: Hashimoto Dokuzan had an unusual life story. A promising artist, he instead chose priesthood over painting and became an important figure in early twentieth-century Zen Buddhism. While serving as chief abbot of the Rinzai-sect Shōkokuji in Kyoto, he increased his painting production, spurred by his desire to restore buildings on the grounds of the monastery. He effectively painted to raise funds. This work represents legendary figures of Chan (in Japan, Zen) lore: the Tang-dynasty (618- 907) monk Fenggan resting with his pet tiger, together with the poet Hanshan and his companion, Shide, sleeping soundly.
1927, Hashimoto Dokuzan, Four Sleepers -- National Museum of Asian Art (Washington)
From the museum label: Hashimoto Dokuzan had an unusual life story. A promising artist, he instead chose priesthood over painting and became an important figure in early twentieth-century Zen Buddhism. While serving as chief abbot of the Rinzai-sect Shōkokuji in Kyoto, he increased his painting production, spurred by his desire to restore buildings on the grounds of the monastery. He effectively painted to raise funds. This work represents legendary figures of Chan (in Japan, Zen) lore: the Tang-dynasty (618- 907) monk Fenggan resting with his pet tiger, together with the poet Hanshan and his companion, Shide, sleeping soundly.