Kaō (painter)

(Redirected from Kaō Ninga)

Kaō Ninga (可翁; fl. early 14th century) was a Japanese priest-painter whose work is considered typical of early Muromachi painting. Some of the earliest suiboku works can be attributed to him. He is especially known for his depiction of the legendary monk Kensu (Hsien-tzu in Chinese) at the moment he achieved enlightenment.[1] This type of painting was executed with quick brushstrokes and a minimum of detail.

Portrait of Kanzan
Bamboo and a Sparrow

The biography of Kaō is largely unknown. He is commonly believed to have been a Japanese Zen monk who lived in China for more than ten years.[2] He entered monastic life at a young age and traveled towards the end of the Kamakura period.[3] Upon his return, it is believed that he became the abbot of a Zen temple.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Kaō Ninga | Japanese painter". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  2. ^ Aviman, Galit (2017-07-05). Zen Paintings in Edo Japan (1600-1868): Playfulness and Freedom in the Artwork of Hakuin Ekaku and Sengai Gibon. Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-351-53611-0.
  3. ^ Dumoulin, Heinrich (2005). Zen Buddhism: Japan. World Wisdom, Inc. p. 234. ISBN 978-0-941532-90-7.