Is Bean Vine under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

What topics does Bean Vine explore?

japanese art, botanical illustration, zen philosophy, ink wash painting, nature symbolism, chinese influence, scroll artwork

What is the thematic context of Bean Vine?

chinese poetic influence, zen buddhism symbolism, cao zhi's literary tale, nature's duality theme, greengrocer's iconography, jakuchu's signature style, vegetable-based motifs, scroll painting tradition

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Beschrijving verzamelobject

Itō Jakuchū, son of a greengrocer, used vegetables and plants as a personal iconography that almost always included a moral or religious meaning. This handsome sketch of a bean plant, paired with a poem by Ōbaku Zen monk Musen Jōzen (Tangai), refers to a story about the Chinese poet Cao Zhi (192–232), whose tyrannical brother, Cao Pei (Emperor Wen), once commanded him to compose a poem before he took seven steps, threatening him with execution if he failed. Tangai’s verse makes an erudite reference to Cao Zhi’s original poem comparing himself and his brother to the parts of a bean plant, while also alluding to the Zen philosophy of nonduality. The green vine puts forth blossoms, and its pods are like half-formed swords. The bean and stalk are inseparable; both were born from the same roots. —Trans. John T. Carpenter

Biografie van de kunstenaar

Ito Jakuchū: A Kyoto Merchant’s Vision – The Eccentric Master Who Redefined Japanese Painting

Ito Jakuchū (1716-1800) stands as a singular figure in Edo period art history, an artist whose unconventional approach and profound connection to Zen Buddhism irrevocably altered perceptions of beauty and artistic expression. Unlike many of his contemporaries who adhered rigidly to established stylistic conventions—primarily those championed by the Kano school—Jakuchū forged his own path, prioritizing direct observation and capturing the essence of nature with unparalleled sensitivity.

Early Life & Family Background: Born in Kyoto’s Nishiki market district, Jakuchū descended from a prosperous merchant family. His father, Ito Genzaemon, operated Masuya, a sizable wholesaler specializing in vegetables—a profession that instilled in young Jakuchu an awareness of the economic realities shaping Edo society. Despite familial expectations for him to inherit the business, his passion for painting swiftly eclipsed any commercial ambitions.
Zen Influence & Artistic Training: Recognizing the importance of spiritual grounding, Jakuchū became a lay brother at Shokoku-ji temple, immersing himself in Zen Buddhist principles. This formative experience profoundly impacted his artistic worldview, fostering detachment from worldly concerns and prioritizing contemplation as inspiration for his creations. He initially studied under Ōoka Shunboku, absorbing stylistic influences from the Kano school while simultaneously cultivating his distinctive vision.
Style & Technique: Jakuchū’s style defied categorization, characterized by a mesmerizing blend of realism and expressive liberty. He achieved remarkable detail in his polychrome renderings—particularly his “doshoku sai-e”—capturing the vibrancy of natural pigments with astonishing precision. His masterful brushwork elevated ordinary subjects like chickens and plants to levels of artistic grandeur, reflecting Zen’s reverence for simplicity and profound observation.
Notable Works & Symbolism: Among Jakuchū's most celebrated paintings are “Five Hundred Arhats,” a monumental undertaking demonstrating his technical prowess and unwavering dedication; “Hanshan and Shide,” which embodies the spirit of Kyoto culture and folklore; and “Crabs and Peonies,” exemplifying his signature style—a harmonious fusion of meticulous detail and luminous color. Recurring motifs like chickens, imbued with symbolic significance representing virtue and longevity, underscore Jakuchū’s artistic philosophy.
Rediscovery & Legacy: For decades, Jakuchū remained largely unrecognized outside scholarly circles. However, Nobuo Tsuji's groundbreaking book “Kisō no Keifu” (“Lineage of Eccentrics”) in 1970 revolutionized art historical understanding by identifying Jakuchū as a pivotal figure within this movement—artists who challenged artistic conventions. Since then, Jakuchū’s work has experienced a resurgence of interest, attracting critical acclaim and inspiring subsequent generations of artists to embrace innovation and explore new creative horizons.

His legacy extends beyond mere aesthetic achievement; Jakuchū represents a paradigm shift in Japanese art history—a testament to an artist who dared to transcend tradition and capture the spirit of his time with unparalleled originality.

Ito Jakuchū

1716 - 1800 , Japan

Belangrijkste feiten

Artistic Movement Or Style: Kano school stijl
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Ukiyo-e']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Ōoka Shunboku']
Date Of Birth: 2 maart 1716
Date Of Death: 27 oktober 1800
Full Name: Ito Jakuchū
Nationality: Japanse
Notable Artworks:
- Vijfhonderd Arhats
- Hanshan en Shide
- Kreeft en Peonies
Place Of Birth: Kyoto, Japan

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Ito Jakuchū: A Kyoto Merchant’s Vision – The Eccentric Master Who Redefined Japanese Painting

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