Soshi Butterfly Scroll
Artist: (Matsumoto) Sansetsu (Japanese, 1589-1651)
Date: 1640-1650
Dimensions:
H: 72 in. (182.9 cm); W: 27 in. (68.6 cm)
Medium: Hanging scroll: Ink on paper.
Place of Origin: Japan, Kano School
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds given by Jonathan Orser
Object number: 2000.57
Label Text:The 4th-century B.C.E. Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu), known as Sôshi in Japan, famously wrote of dreaming that he was a butterfly. Upon waking, he could no longer be sure if he was Sôshi dreaming he was a butterfly or if he was a butterfly dreaming it was Sôshi. He has traditionally been represented in Japanese and Chinese art with a butterfly hovering above his head.
DescriptionJapanese scroll, W: 27 in. x H: 72 in. ink and color on paper in sumi-e style. Signed: (Matsumoto) Sansetsu.
Not on view
In Collection(s)