Plum Blossoms

The flowering white plum tree was painted by Shokado Shojo (1582-1639), a 17th century Buddhist priest and cultural figure. The Japanese poem on the left was written by Takuan Soho (1573-1646) who was the 153rd priest of Daitoku-ji Temple. The Chinese poem on the right was written by Kogetsu Sogan (1574-1643) who was the 157th priest of the Daitoku-ji Temple. This work may have been created extemporaneously by these three literary greats on the occasion of a New Year’s gathering.