By Sugiyama Sanpū
Early to mid-Edo period (17th–18th century)
Donated by Wajima Shigeo
Sugiyama Sanpū (1647-1732) was a wealthy fish wholesaler who served the Edo Shogunate, and was one of Matsuo Bashō’s ten most important disciples. Sanpū donated a house in Fukagawa near the river for Bashō to live in, while others chipped in for his daily needs; near the house was a pond in which Sanpū stocked fish.
Sanpū studied painting under Kanō Shōun (1637–1702), a minor painter of the Kanō School. Of the many depictions of Bashō, Sanpū’s depiction is believed to be the most faithful portrayal of the haiku master, with a gentler, friendlier countenance than other portraits. The painting is accompanied by one of Bashō’s haiku.