Portrait of Myoe Meditating in a Tree (Color on Paper)

Myoe Seated in Meditation Among the Pines

The Portrait of Myoe Meditating in a Tree (Color on Paper) (紙本著色明恵上人像) is a Kamakura-period portrait of the monk Myoe owned by Kozanji in Umegahata Toganoo-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one hanging scroll in colour on paper, owned by Kozanji.

Kozanji calls it the portrait of Myoe meditating in a tree, 145.0 by 59.0 centimetres.

The Painting

According to Kozanji, Myoe returned to Toganoo in 1222 and spent his last years there; traces of his meditation sites remain on Mount Ryoga behind the temple. West of the Kekyuden stood a pine that forked in two, which he named Joshoju, the rope-seat tree, and where he often sat in meditation.

The inscription above states that the painting shows Myoe seated in this tree. It is attributed to his attendant Enichibo Jonin and conveys his character well.

What to Look For

Kozanji notes that pines, rocks, wisteria, small birds and squirrels fill the background; the figure is small for a portrait, and person and nature are balanced and in harmony. Its composition has been compared to paintings of arhats, suggesting the influence of Song painting.

Notice the monk meditating in a mountain pine and the nature that surrounds him.

Visiting the Portrait of Myoe Meditating in a Tree (Color on Paper)

The portrait is owned by Kozanji and is not always on display; check the temple's announcements.