Lot 38: Poem on Wine by Tao Qian, 1858

Nukina Kaioku (1778-1863) Poem on Wine by Tao Qian, 1858 Signed Suo Shigeru, sealed Kambokurin, Nukina Shigeru in and Kummo shi Hanging scroll; ink on silk 57¾ x 20¾ in. (146.8 x 52.6cm.)

146.8 x 52.6cm.

"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

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. 215-16, no. 177. Yoshiaki Shimizu and John M. Rosenfield, Masters of Japanese Calligraphy: 8th-19th Century, exh. cat., (New York: Asia Society and Japan Society, 1984), no.134.

Kaioku transcribed this poem by Tao Yuanming (365-427) several times: I built my hut beside a traveled road Yet hear no noise of passing carts and horses. You would like to know how it is done? With the mind detached, one’s place becomes remote. Picking chrysanthemums by the eastern hedge I catch sight of the distant southern hills: The mountain air is lovely as the sun sets And flocks of flying birds return together. In these things is a fundamental truth I would like to tell, but lack the words. Translation by Fumiko E. Cranston from Extraordinary Persons, Vol. 2, (1999), p. 221.