Motsurin Jōtō

Motsurin Jōtō was an artist whose documented period of activity spanned over two centuries, from 1400 to 1615. The surviving corpus of work attributed to Motsurin Jōtō demonstrates proficiency in both traditional painting and calligraphy, with three paintings and three other documented works represented in major institutional collections.

Thematically, Motsurin Jōtō's output focuses on established literary and spiritual subjects, often integrating calligraphic skill with natural imagery. Notable works include the paintings Plum Blossoms and Grapes, alongside important calligraphic pieces such as the Couplet from the Chinese Poem “Grasses” by Bai Juyi and Three Poetic Verses of Teaching by Ikkyū Given to His Disciples.

Motsurin Jōtō’s legacy is preserved through key holdings in prestigious American institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The presence of these Motsurin Jōtō paintings and related calligraphic works in these collections establishes their historical importance. As many historical artworks transition into the public domain, researchers and collectors can access high-quality prints for scholarly study.