Locomotoring

This is work of Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957), an artist who revitalized traditional Chinese ink painting. The particular piece was displayed at the Asian Art Museum and is titled “Plum Blossoms”. The accompanying description read: “Plum blossoms were praised for their fearless spirit in the face of harsh cold due to their early blooming period. Instead of competing for attention with peach and pear blossoms in spring, they bloom during the coldest weather. Their fragrance is subtle and cool, symbolizing the auspicious arrrival of spring. ” The art inscription reads:

"In the quiet moonlight, glimpses of the true essence,
A celestial figure, elegant and pure, is untouched by dust.
With just a single white, dominating the heavens,
Overshadow a thousand flowers, which dare not bloom"
 

Qi Baishi was incidental finding. We had gone to the museum for the 39th Annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony (link). The bell is a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell made by Tachibana Kyubei for Daienji Temple in Tajima province, Japan, in 1532. Inscriptions on the bell suggest dedication to Amitabha Buddha (link) and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (link).

The bell is rung 108 times in the Japanese Buddhist tradition to curb the 108 mortal desires (bonno) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind. We rang the 40th time.