Minneapolis Institute of Art

Fishing Alone in a Pure Creek

Fukuda Kodōjin

Date

Spring 1924

Medium

Hanging scroll, ink on silk

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

人皆曰吾老 我豈徒守愚 讀書不甚解 求道與誰倶 自古天下士 却作布衣徒 悠然獨養志 寄跡泉石區 People all say I must be getting old, But maybe I have been cultivating this stupidity! I read books, but do not know how to interpret them; I seek the Way, but have one to share with. From ancient times, truly world-class scholars Have been followers of the Way of Simple Clothes. Trancelike, alone I nurture my intentions; Visitors, please note this “region of streams and rocks.” Kodōjin also inscribed this prose: 此幅固非應需而既作也。自画自娯，聯以達真耳。不問巧拙不論家派，著吾家法直興化合矣。豈復他有哉々々 This work was certainly not done under any compulsion. I paint myself for my own pleasure, simply to achieve Truth. For me there’s no question of skill or clumsiness, no concern about Schools of Painting: I implement my own style under direct inspiration of harmonious transformation. How could there be anything more to it than that? Japan, Asia

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