Rengyo

JAPAN; Kamakura period

Rengyo was a monk and painter with an original name of Rokurobe; after he renounced, he assumed the name Nyudo Rengyo. The only work of his that has survived is Master Jianzhen’s Journey to Japan, which is comprised of five scrolls and is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It was donated by Ninsho, the founding abbot of Gokurakuji Temple in Kamukara in 1298 and is kept at Toshodaiji in Nara..
The painting illustrates the difficulties Master Jianzhen faced during his travels from China to Japan. Although the painting portrays scenes from Tang dynasty (618–907) China, the landscape style exposes elements of Song dynasty (960–1279) style. In addition, techniques employed by the painters in Kamakura, such as the traditional Yamato painting style, were utilized by Rengyo in this multifaceted work. Because of this unique amalgamation of 13th century painting styles, the piece serves an important role in the study of Buddhist art and painting in Japan.