Illustrated Story of Skeletons (Ikkyū gaikotsu emaki)

"Illustrated Story of Skeletons (Ikkyū gaikotsu emaki)" is a 15th-century Japanese emakimono attributed to the Zen monk and poet Ikkyū Sōjun, depicting a narrative that intertwines themes of mortality and the transience of life through the portrayal of skeletons. This work is significant for its unique blend of humor and philosophical reflection, illustrating the influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese art and culture during the Muromachi period.

"Illustrated Story of Skeletons (Ikkyū gaikotsu emaki)" by Ikkyū Sōjun is a handscroll painting that employs ink and color on paper, characterized by its dynamic composition and expressive figures. The work features a series of skeletal figures depicted in various poses, interspersed with scenes that convey themes of mortality and the transience of life, rendered with a distinctive fluidity and attention to detail that exemplifies the artist's unique style.