Soshi Butterfly Scroll
Soshi Butterfly Scroll
Artist
(Matsumoto) Sansetsu
(Japanese, 1589-1651)
Place of OriginJapan, Kano School
Date1640-1650
DimensionsH: 72 in. (182.9 cm); W: 27 in. (68.6 cm)
MediumHanging scroll: Ink on paper.
ClassificationPaintings
Credit LinePurchased with funds given by Jonathan Orser
Object number
2000.57
Not on View
DescriptionJapanese scroll, W: 27 in. x H: 72 in. ink and color on paper in sumi-e style. Signed: (Matsumoto) Sansetsu.
Label TextThe 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.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Japanese Treasures: The Art of Netsuke Carving in the Toledo Museum of Art, April 16-June 11, 2000.Comparative ReferencesSee also Terkazu, Akiyama. Japanese Painting. Albert Skira, Switzerland, 1971.
See also Mason, Penelope. History of Japanese Art. Abrams, Inc., New York City, 1993.
19th century
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