Pine and Poem Gifts, second half 19th century
Yamanaka Shinten'ōexpand_more
Ink and colors on crepe paperexpand_more
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by Mr and Mrs Makiji Haseexpand_more 2013.29.979
On View in Gallery APSexpand_more
A gnarled pine tree curves as if stretching its few pine cone-bearing branches, while lingzhi (Jp. reishi) mushrooms grow from its base. In East Asia, both pines and lingzhi mushrooms were considered auspicious symbols.
Pines stood for longevity, constancy, and virtuousness, while lingzhi mushrooms signified immortality. Yamanaka likely created this work without a specific person in mind, as the inscription to the right offers a general wish of prosperity. The poem above further wishes felicity upon the recipient with mentions of various symbols of good even while working, he continued to cultivate his interest in Chinese culture, art, and calligraphy.
Upper panel:
萬里天開積水明雲
霞涌處是蓬瀛釆
芝人倚長松立皓
鶴聲中紅旭生
信天翁
Ten thousand miles of sky open over the brilliance of accumulated waters,
Where clouds and mist boil up is the isle of the immortals
[Mount Penglai];
While a man gathering divine mushroom leans on a tall pine,
White cranes sing in the rising red sun.
Lower panel:
瑞雲壽色繞君家 信天翁画題
[May] the auspicious clouds in the color of longevity surround
your household. Painted and inscribed by Shinten'ō.
(Trans. adapted from Stephen Addiss)
Details
- Title
- Pine and Poem Gifts
- Artist Life
- 1822 - 1885
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.29.979
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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