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Farewell Verses for Betsugen Enshi
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Farewell Verses for Betsugen Enshi
CHINA; Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), dated 1325; By Gulin Qingmao; Running script; Handscroll; Ink on paper; 35.8 x 100 cm; Gotoh Museum, Tokyo, Japan
These verses were written by Master Gulin Qingmao, a Chan monk of the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). According to the colophon, the scroll is dated to the year 1325. Betsugen Enshi came to China from Japan to study Buddhism, and was a disciple under Gulin for three years. Before Betsugen's departure for Jiangxi, Gulin scripted these verses as a gift to him, in which he praised him for his determination in learning and trusted that he will be successful in his future endeavors. The work was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1952.
The characters of this calligraphy are distinct and separate, and the composition is clear and thorough. A strong stylistic influence from Mi Fu is seen in the swift and meandering brushstrokes, which resulted in a cursive script particularly articulate in terms of movement and energy.
Gulin Qingmao's lay surname was Lin and he was also known as Mao Gulin. He was a monk of the Yuan dynasty from present day Yueqing, Zhejiang who was praised for his virtuous conduct and acclaimed for his calligraphic skills. |
