Ingen

1592 - 1673

Quick Facts

  • Mediums: ink on paper
  • Creative periods: mature period
  • Typical colors: neutrals
  • Color intensity: vivid
  • Room fit: office
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Museums on APS: Museum of Zen Buddhist Culture
  • Top-ranked work: Calligraphy of the Character

biography of a visionary artist

yinyuan longqi, also known as ingen ryūki, was a prominent chinese poet, calligrapher, and monk of linji chan buddhism from china. born on december 7, 1592, in fuqing, fujian, during the ming dynasty, yinyuan's life was marked by his significant contributions to the world of art and zen buddhism.

early life and ordination

at the age of 20, while searching for his father, yinyuan arrived at mount putuo off zhejiang province, where he served tea to monks. this encounter sparked a spiritual journey that led him to be ordained as a monk at wanfu temple, mount huangbo, fujian, at the age of 28.

founding the ōbaku school of zen in japan

in 1654, yinyuan traveled to nagasaki, japan with around 30 monks and artisans, including his disciple muyan. he established the ōbaku head temple manpuku-ji at uji, kyoto in 1661, founding the ōbaku school of zen.

calligraphy and artistic legacy

yinyuan was a skilled calligrapher, introducing the ming style of calligraphy to japan. along with his disciples muyan and sokuhi nyoitsu, he was one of the ōbaku no sanpitsu ("three brushes of ōbaku"). his published writings encompass 35 works in 46 publications.

legacy and remembrance

yinyuan passed away on may 21, 1673 (enpō 1, 5th day of the 4th month), at mampuku-ji. his legacy as a master of poetry, calligraphy, and zen buddhism continues to inspire artists and scholars alike. important dates: * december 7, 1592: born in fuqing, fujian * 1633: received dharma transmission from feiyin tongrong * 1654: traveled to nagasaki, japan with around 30 monks and artisans * may 21, 1673: passed away at mampuku-ji

Questions & Answers

In which historical period did Ingen work?

Ingen worked in the Early-Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Can I explore Ingen's works by color spectrum?

The Spectral Index of Ingen is a page that organizes the artist's artworks by their colors.

Is there a chronological account of Ingen?

The Chronicle of Ingen is a scroll-driven timeline that presents the artist's works in chronological order, grouped into career-period chapters.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In what town was Jacopo Bassano born?
Question 2:
Which of the following best describes Jacopo Bassano's artistic style?
Question 3:
Jacopo Bassano’s sons also became artists. How many of his sons were painters?
Question 4:
During which period did Jacopo Bassano primarily work?
Question 5:
What type of paintings was Jacopo Bassano particularly known for?