Chuanzi and Jiashan

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Chuanzi and Jiashan

c. 1638

Shōkadō Shōjō (Japanese, 1584–1639) Calligraphy by Ten'yū Shōkō (Japanese, 1586–1666)

Zen philosophy teaches that one should attain enlightenment by intuitive and experiential means instead of focusing on scriptural study. Through meditation and the contemplation of seemingly paradoxical questions, Zen masters transmitted their doctrine to their disciples. This scroll depicts a Zen master disguised as a humble ferryman. One day Chia-shan, the chief monk of an important monastery, boarded the ferry, and after an exchange of questions and answers, the ferryman took his oar and pushed Chia-shan into the river. At that instant, Chia-shan attained enlightenment.

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Object Details

Titles:

Chuanzi and Jiashan

Date:

c. 1638

Artists:

Shōkadō Shōjō (Japanese, 1584–1639) Calligraphy by Ten'yū Shōkō (Japanese, 1586–1666)

Medium:

Ink on paper; mounted as a hanging scroll

Dimensions:

11 1/4 x 21 1/4 inches (28.6 x 54 cm) Mount: 43 x 21 7/8 inches (109.2 x 55.6 cm)

Classification:

Calligraphy

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Fiske Kimball Fund and the Marie Kimball Fund, 1970

Accession Number:

1970-44-1

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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