Inro Mei and inscription

[Bugyotsuji]

Have been sent this inro writing and asked to read, but it's way out of my league. The character under Joka seems to suggest this is a copy of Joka, rather than the 'kakihan' as I was advised. Can anyone help with the inscriptions/poetry? The motif is a monk(?) slumped on a cloud. Picc supplied if necessary. Credit will be given as due.

 

The other piccies I was sent are too large... humph.

[Bugyotsuji]

Well, if the other photos won't attach the regular way, let's try a different way. (Oh, ignore the Hotei above, by the way please!)

 

and

 

[Nobody]

This is my guess. But I might be totally wrong as I have little knowledge in this field.

 

江月讚 (Kogetsu San) – San (讚: attached calligraphy to the picture) written by Kogetsu

探幽繪 (Tan’yu E(reading?)) – Picture drawn by Tan’yu

常嘉写 (Joka utsushi) – Copied by Joka

 

Joka copied the picture drawn by Tan’yu and the calligraphy which was attached to the picture by Kogetsu.

[Bugyotsuji]

Wow, it's complicated. Thank you for that, Moriyama san. Can you make any sense of the other inscription?

[Nobody]

Can you make any sense of the other inscription?

I only understand that the phrase expresses some lessons. :?

[Bugyotsuji]

What is the 4th character??? Is the hen Tsuki?

[Nobody]

I suspect that it might be 暁 (akatsuki, or gyo), but I am not sure.

Or it might be 睦 (boku).

[Bugyotsuji]

I suspect that it might be 暁 (akatsuki, or gyo), but I am not sure.

Or it might be 睦 (boku).

 

How do you feel towards your ancestors who used such language?

[Nobody]

How do you feel towards your ancestors who used such language?

Honestly, I cannot grasp the real sense of the question. :?:

[Bugyotsuji]

My question wasn't phrased very well. Please forgive me. It would be going off-thread, so you do not need to answer it.

 

What I meant was you must feel some personal pride in the long and deep evolution of Japanese culture. For me the study is objective in a way, an outsider looking in without too much emotional help, except the excitement and interest in discovering new things about the past. A 'different' past, too. Perhaps you have this too? Or not? (When I look at Shakespeare's writings, or Chaucer, I do not feel any personal connection, really, just a frustration that I cannot understand it clearly.)

[Nobody]

Thanks for the clarification. I think I understood the meaning, but I was not sure about my understanding because it was an unexpected question.

 

“Personal pride” might not be an appropriate phrase for me. Though I respect ancestors’ works, I do not contribute to them.　I only admire our ancestors and their works. And they do not always have to be Japanese.

 

I am usually impressed by ancient – middle aged structures rather than literature. They are not necessarily Japanese. Actually, I admire the stone culture in Europe. Also I always admire the cultural heritage of ancient China. They were great.

[Bugyotsuji]

Thanks for the clarification. I think I understood the meaning, but I was not sure about my understanding because it was an unexpected question.

 

“Personal pride” might not be an appropriate phrase for me. Though I respect ancestors’ works, I do not contribute to them.　I only admire our ancestors and their works. And they do not always have to be Japanese.

 

I am usually impressed by ancient – middle aged structures rather than literature. They are not necessarily Japanese. Actually, I admire the stone culture in Europe. Also I always admire the cultural heritage of ancient China. They were great.

 

Thank you Moriyama san. Your reply makes me smile.

[Bugyotsuji]

Using your two possible Kanji, MOriyama san, could the two lines be:

 

"One lifetime, one enlightenment.

One enlightenment, one lifetime."

 

or

 

"One lifetime, one harmony.

One harmony, one lifetime."

 

Signed by Hisanaka, or a Chinese poet...???

[Nobody]

Each one seems to be plausible in its own way.

I will not be surprised if it is a phrase from a sutra.

 

Now, I have the 3rd candidate.

眩 (gen, or kuramu)

[k morita]

Moriyama san,

 

 

睦(Boku) is correct reading.

[Bugyotsuji]

"Life is illusion.... ?

 

BTW There is an old kanji for Akatsuki 暁　曉

[Guido]

Mr. Morita, I really would appreciate if you could chime in a little earlier if you come up with alternative readings in the future. Constantly waiting until you can make "corrections" to other forumite's findings may be perceived - with all due respect - as slightly arrogant. 瓜田李下 I know that this isn't your intention, and sincerely hope that you will find the time to contribute even more from now on. Your participation here is highly appreciated.

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

Morita-San,

 

Indeed your posts are highly regarded and appreciated (same apply to Moriyama San ones of

course) and all of us would read more of them.