Chinese Poem: “There is a bamboo grove around my house” 1800 - 1831

This hanging scroll, written by the Japanese Zen monk Ryōkan Taigu (1758-1831), is a calligraphic representation of a Chinese poem. The poem, "There is a bamboo grove around my house," speaks to the simple beauty of nature and the peace that can be found in solitude. The artwork is a fine example of Japanese calligraphy, known as *shodō*, and reflects the artist's Zen philosophy through its flowing and elegant lines. The scroll's dimensions of 49 7/16 × 19 1/16 in. (125.6 × 48.4 cm) allow for a close-up view of the individual strokes and the overall rhythm of the composition.