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the Colorful Realm of Living Beings

     This website was created with the purpose of it furthering my thesis research. The Colorful Realm of Living Beings, Doshoku Sai-e(動植綵絵) c. 1757–1766 and the Śākyamuni Triptych are the central objects of my thesis. In addition, the three main images that compose the analysis of appearance of phoenixes; Old Pine Tree and White Phoenix, Pair of Phoenixes and Rising Sun, and White Elephant and Other Beasts, are all compositions painted by Itō Jakuchū, Jthe main artist examined in the exhibitions. Thus, to make the analyses of the Japanese phoenix, I have included a brief summary of the history of the Colorful Realm of Living Beings. 

     The Colorful Realm of Living Beings was begun in 1757. The final painting was completed and donated in 1766. The set is comprised of thirty bird-and-flower hanging scrolls and a triptych depicting the Śākyamuni Buddha and two Bodhisattvas: Fugen Bosatsu and Monju Bosatsu. The set was donated to Shōkokuji temple in two parts. The first donation included twenty-four paintings and the Śākyamuni Triptych. The first donation was possibly prompted by the death of Jakuchū’s brother ten days prior. The first confirmed display of all thirty bird-and-flower paintings and the triptych was held on the thirty-third anniversary of Jakuchū’s father in 1770[1]. All the painted silk scrolls are polychromatic. Eight of the bird-and-flower hanging scrolls depict roosters and chickens, Jakuchū’s favorite bird motif. Other subjects include sparrows, ducks, cockatoos, cranes, geese, pheasants, peacocks, and phoenixes. Slightly different motifs include frogs, fish, octopi, and seashells. Each animal is accompanied by a variety of floral motifs.