SHÔKADÔ SHÔJÔ (1584–1639) Kakejiku in ink on paper, a branch of chrysanthemums. Shôjô seal. Inscription on the reverse: Shôkadô hitsu: kiku (chrysanthemums). (Scuffs, stains, wear). Japan, 17th century. A KAKEJIKU, INK ON PAPER, A CHRYSANTHEMUM BY SHÔKÂDÔ, JAPAN, 17TH CENTURY. DIM. 69 X 22 CM (27 3/16 X 8 11/16 IN.) About the artist: Nakanuma Shôkadô was a Buddhist monk of the Shingon sect, a painter, calligrapher and master of the tea ceremony during the early Edo period. Upon becoming a monk, he was given the Buddhist name Shôjô, and took the name Shôkadô towards the end of his life; this name refers to the hermitage to which he retired. He is best known as a calligrapher and is regarded as one of the three great masters of the era, known collectively as the Kan’ei no sanpitsu, ‘The Three Brushes of the Kan’ei Era’, alongside Hon’ami Kōetsu and Konoe Nobutada. A museum and garden are dedicated to him in Yawata, in the south of Kyoto Prefecture. His works are on display in numerous museums in the West, in the United States and Europe, as well as in Japan.