Tomita Keisen | Painting
Tomita Keisen’s most prominent feature was his exceptionally large head with naturally curly hair, which one writer compared to Buddha’s. For some observers, his striking appearance symbolized not only the fortitude of his character but also his artistic greatness. – In 1896 Keisen moved to Kyoto and the following year became a live-in pupil of Tsuji Kako (1870-1931). In the subsequent decade he began a process of self-searching that led him to Zen meditation practice, the study of Christianity and ancient Chinese philosophy. His interest in the art of Sengai (1750-1837), a Zen monk, continued to grow. (Literati Modern, Michiyo Morioka, p. 306)
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Tomita Keisen (1879-1936)
Ink on paper
107.2 x 25.1 cm (42 1/4 x 9 3/4 in.)
Mounting 184.5 x 28 cm (72 1/2 x 11 in.)
Box with inscription by Awakawa Koichi (1902-1977)