Minneapolis Institute of Art

Skeletons Holding Seals

Doi Gōga

Date

second half 19th century

Medium

Hanging scroll, ink on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Five inky skeletons with spindly limbs dance around, two of whom grasp seals in their bony hands. We can see right through their ribcages but elsewhere their bodies have the bulk and mass of the living; indeed, they are very much alive, and although they raise their hands as if to scare, they appear more comical than ominous. Doi, a Confucian scholar and teacher, was known as an eccentric, and his playful side is evident in these dancing figures. The red seals bear writing in seal script, one of the earliest forms of writing, while the accompanying poem at the top right is written in cursive. 無論君体評妍 魄唯觀髑髏之活動 It does not matter if you are blessed with a beautiful form; Just look at the actions of your skull Japan, Asia

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