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Seven Sages in a Bamboo Grove

Kaiho Yusho

Seven Sages in a Bamboo Grove exhibition

Seven Sages in a Bamboo Grove

High-resolution facsimiles

Material
printed on washi paper
Period of creation
Tsuzuri Project Stage 5 2011–2012
Recipient
Kenninji Temple

Original

Cultural property designation
Important Cultural Property
Artist
Kaiho Yusho
Historical era
Azuchi-Momoyama (16th century)
Material
ink on washi paper
Medium
Sixteen sliding doors
Size
4 panels : Each screen H187.0 × W159.5 cm
4 panels : Each screen H187.0 × W89.0 cm
8 panels : Each screen H197.0 × W187.0 cm
Collection
Kenninji Temple

Description

Among a collection of 50 panels of the Abbot‘s Chambers at Kenninji Temple are 16 panels of images on sliding doors decorating an inner room. They were painted by Kaiho Yusho, who was involved in a revival of Kenninji Temple in the early modern era. The "Seven Sages in a Bamboo Grove" depicts the seven sages in a bamboo thicket drinking wine, playing music, and indulging in noble and refined discussion (which transcends this world), having escaped the national crisis of Wei Jin era (mid-3rd century) in China. It is believed they had been critical of politics driven by the Sima clan, who were in power at that time, and their Confucian morals (with restrictions on freedom of speech). This free-spirited behavior won great support in the ensuing years. Kaiho Yusho specialized in portraits of people wearing loose and baggy clothing that appears to billow in the wind; these were known as fukuro-e (bag) style paintings. The “Seven Sages in a Bamboo Grove” is typical of his work.

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How the Works Are Created

How the Works Are Created

This section introduces the production process of high resolution facsimiles by combining Canon’s latest imaging technology and the authentic craftsmanship of Kyoto in the Tsuzuri Project.

About the Tsuzuri Project

About the Tsuzuri Project

This section shares the significance and passion behind the Tsuzuri Project and how we utilize the high resolution facsimiles of precious cultural assets, which are designated as national treasures and important cultural assets, and Japanese artworks that have left Japan.