An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Priest Riding a Donkey17th century
Artist: attributed to Kano Naonobu
Japanese, 1607 - 1650
45 x 17 in. (114.3 x 43.18 cm) (painting)
82 x 22 1/2 in. (208.28 x 57.15 cm)
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
hanging scroll
Japan
17th century
Gift of Joyce and Howard Kahn
Once upon a time, along the serene banks of a flowing river in ancient China, a humble monk named Yushanzhu began a journey that would forever alter his existence. The sun shone gently, casting soft shadows on the wooden planks of a rickety bridge straddling the gentle waters below. Yushanzhu, riding on his faithful donkey, seemed to be lost in thought, his mind drifting like a feather in the breeze, unaware of the transformative moment that lay just ahead.
As he crossed the bridge, fate took a playful turn. With a sudden lurch, the donkey stumbled, and Yushanzhu found himself unceremoniously deposited onto the wooden beams. In that unexpected fall, a jolt surged through him—both physically and spiritually. In a heartbeat, clarity blossomed within his mind like early morning light breaking through a thick fog. It was here, in this fleeting moment, that he glimpsed the profound truth of existence.
Kano Naonobu captured this stunning scene with mere brushstrokes, a skillful dance of ink that brought life to Yushanzhu, the steadfast donkey, and the rugged cliff's outcropping. Each splash of ink whispered the essence of their simplicity and connection to nature—a style deeply rooted in the traditions of Chinese ink painting, a specialty of the Kano workshop, where artistry transcended mere representation to touch the soul.
In the painting, Yushanzhu tilts his head back toward a branch stretching precariously from the cliff face, showcasing not only his curious nature but also the beauty of stillness and introspection. The imagery resonates with those who pause to reflect: sometimes, enlightenment requires nothing more than a mere tumble into the unknown.
In a world that often rushes past, this quiet scene invites us to breathe deeply, find peace in our own falls, and appreciate the art of simply being.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.