Credo of a Ming Scholar-Amateur, 1839

Details

Ichikawa Beian (1779-1858)
Credo of a Ming Scholar-Amateur, 1839
Signed Beian gai, sealed Shozanrin-do, Ka Sangai in and Ekitenjin
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
51 1/8 x 21 7/8in. (132.0 x 55.7cm.)

Literature

John M. Rosenfield with Fumiko E. Cranston, Extraordinary Persons: Works by Eccentric, Nonconformist Japanese Artists of the Early Modern Era (1580-1868) in the Collection of Kimiko and John Powers, Vol. 2 (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Art Museums, 1999), pp. 166-67, no. 156.

Yoshiaki Shimizu and John M. Rosenfield, Masters of Japanese Calligraphy: 8th-19th Century, exh. cat., (New York: Asia Society and Japan Society, 1984), no. 131.

Exhibited

"Masters of Japanese Calligraphy: 8th-19th Century," New York, Japan House Gallery and Asia Society Galleries, Oct. 4, 1984-Jan. 6, 1985; at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Feb. 15-March 31, 1985; and at the Seattle Art Museum, May 9-July 14, 1985

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Lot Essay

Beian was considered one of the three great calligraphers of the late Edo period, the other two being Maki Ryuko (1776-1843) and Nukina Kaioku (1778-1863). He taught calligraphy to over 5,000 pupils at Koyama Rindo, the school he founded in 1799.

The inscription had been translated:

I read books on righteousness, learn the characters in calligraphy manuals. I clear the mind and meditate, engage in pure conversation with cherished friends, and get half drunk on small servings. I water flowers and plant bamboo, listen to the qin and sport with cranes, burn incense and make tea. I float [idly] in a boat, view the mountains, and philosophize about chess. Even if there are be other enjoyments, I will not change.
Passage from a Ming author, recorded in the seventh month of tsuchinoto-i [1839]

Translation by Fumiko E. Cranston from Extraordinary Persons, Vol. 2 (1999), pp. 166-7.

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