The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar

The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar

Shunsō Joshu

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Monk Shunsō, a pupil of Reigen and Suiō, followed in the tradition of these and others in the lineage of Hakuin Ekaku in creating dynamically brushed images of famous Zen figures. Here he has depicted the emiment early-medieval monk Daitō Kokushi (Shūhō Myōchō, 1283–1337) in the guise of a beggar in a straw cloak and tattered sedge hat. The monk lived as a recluse for many years in Kyoto, taking refuge under Gojō Bridge. Daitō Kokushi ultimately established his legacy by founding Daitokuji in Kyoto, the great monastic complex of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Hakuin considered Daitō Kokushi to be the head of lineage and thus painted many images of him; Shunsō followed in this tradition.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Monk Daitō Kokushi as a BeggarThe Monk Daitō Kokushi as a BeggarThe Monk Daitō Kokushi as a BeggarThe Monk Daitō Kokushi as a BeggarThe Monk Daitō Kokushi as a Beggar

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.