The great Nihonga painter who was brought back to life by sake

Yokoyama Taikan, a great modern Nihonga painter, learned two things from his mentor Okakura Tenshin: the techniques of painting and the wonders of sake. During his time studying under Tenshin, Taikan went from being unable to drink alcohol to drinking “two sho and three go  a day” (sho and go are traditional Japanese measurements equivalent to 1.8 liters and 180ml respectively).

Around two years before he died, Taikan fell gravely ill and collapsed. One of the newspaper reporters surrounding him shouted “Great master! I have some sake and it tastes amazing!” and thrust a piece of cotton soaked in sake into Taikan’s mouth. As soon as the sake landed on his tongue, Taikan came to!

He then went on to paint dozens of works—can you believe it?

Word spread, and Taikan became as known for his drinking as he was for his paintings.

Taikan is said to have had only sake and a small snack for each meal, declaring that sake was his staple food. His autopsy showed that when he died at 89, he had the brain functions of a 60-year-old and his arteries had barely hardened at all. Amazing.

He reportedly said during his life that brewing sake is an art just like painting.

So let’s raise a glass of our favorite drink to the artisans who bring us these delicious masterpieces!

Bottoms up!