Arashi Rikan II as Miyamoto Musashi

Arashi Rikan II as Miyamoto Musashi

Gigadō Ashiyuki 戯画堂芦幸

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In a scene set in snowy hills, the noted Osaka actor Arashi Rikan II (1788–1837) plays a role inspired by the famous medieval warrior and swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (ca. 1584–1645). The hokku (17-syllable poem) by the actor reads: Yuku michi o saguri-ashi nari oborozuki Along the path I pursue, my feet find the way beneath the misty moon.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Arashi Rikan II as Miyamoto MusashiArashi Rikan II as Miyamoto MusashiArashi Rikan II as Miyamoto MusashiArashi Rikan II as Miyamoto MusashiArashi Rikan II as Miyamoto Musashi

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.