Black Robe, White Mist: Art of the Japanese Buddhist Nun Rengetsu

by Melanie Eastburn

Rengetsu (1791-1875), whose name translates as Lotus Moon, was a Japanese Buddhist nun whose tragic life inspired extraordinary creativity. One of a very few successful female artists in nineteenth-century Japan, Rengetsu was primarily a poet and calligrapher, but also excelled in pottery and scroll painting. Her idiosyncratic personal aesthetic attracted an enormous following in her own lifetime and was imitated by many of her admirers. Black Robe, White Mist presents contemplative works on paper and clay inscribed with Rengetsu's elegant poetry and understated calligraphy, reflecting the beauty of the imperfect and unconventional. A number of distinguished contributors share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for Rengetsu's poetry and art.

148 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the life and work of Otagaki Rengetsu. Her works, ranging from her own pottery to hanging scrolls created in collaboration with friends, are beautifully photographed, and show her idiosyncratic calligraphy to excellent effect. There are multiple differing translations of some of her poems, which was a particularly thoughtful manner of helping readers who might not speak Japanese access her wit and insights.