Praise of Jakuchu's Paintings: Learn the secrets of Jakuchu's paintings by reading the praises

Zen monks who were close friends of Ito Jakuchu, such as Baiso Kenjo (Daiten Zenji), Ko Yugai (Baichao), and Musen Jozen, wrote inscriptions, or poems, to his paintings. Edo-period viewers would have enjoyed both the paintings and the inscriptions.

However, today, it is primarily the paintings that are recognized and appreciated as "Jakuchu's works," and it is rare to read the inscriptions and appreciate the paintings in conjunction with their content. For modern people, it is not easy to correctly read the cursive writing in the inscriptions, and even if they could, it is difficult to fully understand the content.

This book thoroughly analyzes the inscriptions and reconsiders the appeal of paintings. By reading the inscriptions...

(1) you will understand how the inscriptions suggest what is not depicted in the painting and greatly expand the world of the painting;

(2) how the inscriptions and the paintings work together to express the thoughts and mentality of the artists;

(3) the cultural image of specific motifs that was shared at the time, and your perspective on the paintings will change. Reading the inscriptions is a way to delve deeper into Jakuchu's artistic career and discover the secrets of "Jakuchu's works.