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Monk Kenkō Reading by Lamplight

Attributed to Prince-Abbot Ryōshō Japanese
late 17th century
Not on view
The fluid sketch painting on this scroll represents Monk Kenkō (ca. 1283–ca. 1352), a recluse-literatus best known for his literary miscellany Essays in Idleness (Tsurezuregusa, ca. 1330). The inscription in staggered columns—a device known as scattered writing (chirashi-gaki)—transcribes the memorable opening lines of Chapter 13:

ひとり、ともしびの本に文をひろげて、みぬよの
人をともとするこそ、こよなう藉ぐさむわざなれ。

The pleasantest of all diversions is to sit alone under
the lamp, a book spread out before one, and to make
friends with people of a distant past whom you have
never known.
–Trans. Donald Keene

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 良尚入道親王賛　兼好法師像
  • Title: Monk Kenkō Reading by Lamplight
  • Artist: Attributed to Prince-Abbot Ryōshō (Japanese, 1623–1693)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: late 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 8 5/16 × 20 9/16 in. (21.1 × 52.3 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 40 × 21 1/2 in. (101.6 × 54.6 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 40 × 23 3/8 in. (101.6 × 59.4 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2020
  • Object Number: 2020.396.22
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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