Calligraphy

Ryokan was a Soto-sect Zen monk, known as a famous poet and a calligrapher. He was born in Echigo Province (Niigata Prefecture), and became a monk around 1775, taking the name Taigu. He studied Zen under Kokusen of Entsuji temple in Bitchu Province. After his teacher's death, he traveled through the western part of Japan, then returned to Echigo.

KAWABATA GYOKUSHO (1842-1913)

Returning home at sunset, with poem in Chinese

Signed and inscribed Keitei sanjin Hata Gyokusho Shozen tenshin gabo chu, sealed Hata Gyokusho in and another seal

Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
9½ x 11¼in. (24.2 x 28.6cm.)