Alms Round

Still today, in some countries, most Buddhist monks rely entirely on alms given by parishioners and benefactors. Through the virtuous act of donating food, the giver accrues merit. Led by a monk with a long cane in his right hand, a procession of monks wearing ink-dyed robes and carrying bowls have formed a procession which will probably disperse as they reach neighborhoods where the monks present their bowls door to door. At first glance, they seem to have formed two neat rows but, in places, they are three abreast. Far from solemn, some monks are chatting and laughing. It appears to be a congenial and happy occasion.
Jakuchū painted very few portraits, and some have concluded that portraits were his weak point. In this work, however, despite the compact style, he has managed to put a different expression on each face.