Bucchō Oshō
1715 (Shōtoku 5)
Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Yamagata Prefecture
Donated by the Homma family
Perhaps best known as the poet Matsuo Bashō’s Zen master, the monk Bucchō Oshō (1642–1715) founded Fukugawa Rinsenji Temple, and lived at Unganji Temple in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture.
Addressed to his disciples, this is the final note Oshō wrote on his deathbed aged 74, on 28 December 1715 (Shōtoku 5). Originally among the possessions of Rinsenji Temple, it was brought to Sakata by Kamiya Genbubō of the Mino poetry school, and has since become a treasured part of the Sakata Haiku Association’s collection.
※ The work is officially registered under the name “Yuige.”