Poem-painting “When the nightingale returns...” 1868

Ōtagaki Rengetsu created this poem-painting on paper in Japan in the 19th century. It combines an image of a simple, rustic shelter atop a craggy rock formation with calligraphic text. Rengetsu was a Buddhist nun, and her artwork reflects the influence of Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes simplicity, spontaneity, and meditation. Consider the social position of women during the Edo period, when Rengetsu lived: art-making offered an opportunity to express her inner self and challenge the prevailing social norms. The image of a humble dwelling could reflect both her religious devotion and her rejection of worldly materialism. The text, combined with the image, creates a deeper layer of meaning, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of life, and the beauty of the natural world. To better understand the place of Rengetsu in Japanese art history, one could consult the records of Buddhist temples and archives of art collectors. By investigating the social and institutional context of her work, we can come to a richer appreciation of art's power to challenge existing norms.