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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
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Meeting Between Yaoshan and Li Ao
CHINA; Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279); By Ma Gongxian; Ink and color on silk; 113.6 x 46.4 cm; Nanzenji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
This depiction of a Chan story was painted during the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279). Chan stories were common subjects for artworks during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. The seal of Ma Gongxian is affixed to the painting. Little is known about the life of this artist. He was the son of Ma Xingzu, the uncle of Ma Yuan, and a member of the Imperial Art Academy during the Southern Song dynasty. Ma Gongxian was skilled at painting flowers, birds, landscapes, and portraits. Unfortunately, most of his artworks have been lost. This rare painting is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
According to the Transmission of the Lamp, magistrate Li Ao once visited Master Yaoshan, who was reading a sutra and did not pay attention to his guest. Li Ao, who had heard that the master was wise and had been eager to meet him, became impatient, and told Master Yaoshan, It was better to hear your name than to see your face. " Yaoshan asked |
