Chinese Poems for the Twelve Months

ca. late 1730s

Not on view

Gion Nankai is recognized as one of the great pioneers of the literati painting and calligraphy movement of the early eighteenth century, in addition to being celebrated for his poetry in Chinese. This series of twelve poems, each themed according to the corresponding month of the year, showcases an impressive array of Chinese calligraphy styles. Gion attributes four of the calligraphy styles to Ming-dynasty masters: for the fourth month, Dong Qichang (1555–1636); for the fifth month, Zhang Ruitu (1570–1641); for the eighth month, Wen Zhengming (1470–1559); and for the ninth month, Wang Baigu (1535–1612). Although the styles, as executed by Gion, do not exactly correlate with the hands of these famed predecessors, Gion’s gesture of attribution nevertheless reflects his deep admiration for their work.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

祇園南海筆　十二月七言絶句屏風
Title: Chinese Poems for the Twelve Months
Artist: Gion Nankai (Japanese, 1677–1751)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: ca. late 1730s
Culture: Japan
Medium: Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink on paper
Dimensions: Image (each sheet): 50 11/16 × 20 7/8 in. (128.8 × 53 cm)
Overall with mounting: 67 9/16 in. × 12 ft. 4 3/8 in. (171.6 × 376.8 cm)
Classification: Calligraphy
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen Addiss, in honor of John T. Carpenter, 2016
Object Number: 2016.747.1, .2
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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Window onto Bamboo on a Rainy Day, Gion Nankai Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan — Window onto Bamboo on a Rainy Day
Gion Nankai
first half of the 18th century

Case (Inrō) with Design of Clematis Vine on Bamboo Lattice, Gion Nankai Japanese, Lacquer sprinkled with gold and silver makie, and foil; Ojima: floral scrolls in openwork; silver and silver wire; Netsuke: chrysanthemum medallion; ivory, Japan — Case (Inrō) with Design of Clematis Vine on Bamboo Lattice
Gion Nankai
18th century

Over Robe (Uchikake) with Bamboo, Gion Nankai Japanese, Ink and gold powder on silk satin, Japan — Over Robe (Uchikake) with Bamboo
Gion Nankai
first half of the 18th century

“Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (Shinkyoku), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold and silver leaf on paper, Japan — “Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (Shinkyoku)
Japan
early 17th century

The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals, Studio of Kano Takanobu Japanese, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and silver on paper, Japan — The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals
Studio of Kano Takanobu
Konoe Nobutada
early 17th century

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