Bird on a Branch
Unkei Eii Japanese
Inscribed by Daiko Shōkaku Japanese
This work features dry and spontaneous brushwork that captures the moment a small bird (a titmouse) has alighted on a wizened branch. The brusque calligraphy by Daitokuji temple prelate Daiko Shōkaku cites a verse by the well-known Zen monk-poet Son’an (Kisei Reigen, 1402–1488). The poem reads:
In the forest, when evening comes
birds retire and nest together.
Coupled birds remain in flight,
their joined wings letting them soar,
not looking for a place to spend the night.
—Translation after Miyeko Murase
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.