Artwork Page for Imaginary Portrait of Shundai Dazai

Details / Information for Imaginary Portrait of Shundai Dazai

Imaginary Portrait of Shundai Dazai

late 1700s–1800s

Tani Bunchō 谷文晁

(Japanese, 1763–1841)
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Measurements
Overall: 130.8 x 38.1 cm (51 1/2 x 15 in.); Painting only: 38 x 26.8 cm (14 15/16 x 10 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith 1985.248
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Shundai (1680–1747) was a noted Confucian scholar and writer. Brought up with a strongly Confucian family background, Bunchō’s veneration for Shundai is understandable. The inscription is by Nozawa Hikoroku, a scholar and poet contemporary with Bunchō.
A vertical hanging scroll in ink and light color depicts Shundai Dazai. Rendered with fluid, expressive brushstrokes, the older man sits facing right, wearing a pale blue sleeveless garment. His partially bald head and stoic expression are detailed with fine lines. Calligraphy in bold, black ink flows down the upper left, while a red seal anchors the bottom. Broad, watery ink washes suggest his heavy trousers against a plain, neutral background.

Imaginary Portrait of Shundai Dazai

late 1700s–1800s

Tani Bunchō

(Japanese, 1763–1841)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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