Letter to Imaōji Yūzan
Nakabayashi Chikutô
(Japanese, 1776–1853)
19th century
Medium/TechniqueInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 102 × 45 cm (40 3/16 × 17 11/16 in.)
Image: 16 × 42 cm (6 5/16 × 16 9/16 in.)
Image: 16 × 42 cm (6 5/16 × 16 9/16 in.)
Credit LineJohn Ware Willard Fund
Accession number2021.783
On View
Not on viewClassificationsCalligraphy
DescriptionThe acclaimed literati artist Nakabayashi Chikutō (1776 – 1853) wrote this informal letter to his follower, the lay priest Imaōji Yūzan (1790 – 1849). In it Chikutō details his fees for writing certificates of authentication and also describes his desire to end his painting career. Such candid correspondence provides insights on the artistic practice of Chikutō, whose ink landscapes are featured in the MFA collection. The collector Sōshū, believed to be from the Nagoya area, considered this letter written in a highly personal calligraphic style, which had been mounted in hanging scroll format for display, to be one of his prized possessions.
ProvenanceFirst half of the 19th century, sent by the artist to his disciple, Imaōji Yūzan (b. 1790- d. 1849). Probably 19th or early 20th century, Sōshū [see note]. 2021, purchased in Japan by BachmannEckenstein Japanese Art, Basel; 2021, sold by BachmannEckenstein to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 15, 2021)
NOTE: An inscription on the back of the scroll reads “Prized possession of Sōshū.”
NOTE: An inscription on the back of the scroll reads “Prized possession of Sōshū.”
Nakabayashi Chikutô
1801 (Kansei 13/Kyôwa 1)
