Painting Laughter

Kojima Rōtetsu

1793–1852

Painting Laughter, 1800s

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: ink; color; paper

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 32.2 x 61.1 cm
Mount Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 112.6 x 74.3 cm
Roller Dimensions (Width x Diameter): 80.2 x 3 cm

Credit line: Gift of Jay Gates, Director, Spencer Museum of Art, 1984–1987

Accession number: 2012.0601

Not on display

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Label texts

Nature/Natural

This painting depicts a group of monks gathered to observe a calligraphy demonstration. A monk holding a large brush writes a single line of calligraphy while others sit, stand or kneel, watching enthusiastically. Calligraphy and its demonstrations by Zen Buddhist monks express personal character and religious conviction. As the title suggests, laughter, humor, and comedy are an important aspect of zenga. Zen masters regard humor as a means to help one realize the futility of classifying the world and the importance of “non-duality,” the Buddhist concept of oneness. Humor in Zen Buddhism is seen as an expression of enlightenment and liberation. When one “gets” a joke, he or she is released from the tensions created by desire, attachment, and ignorance, thus attaining enlightenment. This painting captures monks in the moment of enlightenment and liberation, bursting with laughter.

Exhibition Label: "Nature/Natural," Jan-2014, Kris Ercums This painting depicts a group of monks gathered to observe a calligraphy demonstration. A monk holding a large brush writes a single line of calligraphy while others sit, stand or kneel, watching enthusiastically. Calligraphy and its demonstrations by Zen Buddhist monks express personal character and religious conviction. As the title suggests, laughter, humor, and comedy are an important aspect of zenga. Zen masters regard humor as a means to help one realize the futility of classifying the world and the importance of “non-duality,” the Buddhist concept of oneness. Humor in Zen Buddhism is seen as an expression of enlightenment and liberation. When one “gets” a joke, he or she is released from the tensions created by desire, attachment, and ignorance, thus attaining enlightenment. This painting captures monks in the moment of enlightenment and liberation, bursting with laughter.