Arhat Reading a Sutra by Moonlight, mid-17th century
Jifei Ruyi 即非如一 (Jp. Sokuhi Nyoitsu, 1616-1671)
Inscribed by the artist
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Hanging scroll, ink on paper
27.5 x 60.6 cm; 112.4 x 62.5 cm (mounted)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975, 1975.268.79
Moon and white paper are of one color.
The pupil of the eye and the ink are both black.
The marvelous meaning, lodged in the circle,
Is beyond comprehension.
—trans. The Metropolitan Museum of Art online collection
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