A Japanese miscellany - University of Oregon

The Story of Kwashin Koji 49
coming on." Then the lord set a great wine-
cup ' before Kwashin Koji, and told a servant to
fill the cup as often as the old man wished. And
Kwashin Koji emptied the great cup ten times in
succession, and asked for more ; but the servant
made answer that the wine-vessel was exhausted.
All present were astounded by this drinking-feat
and the lord asked Kwashin Koji, "Are you
not yet satisfied, Sir .? " " Well, yes," replied
Kwashin Koji, " I am somewhat satisfied ; —
and
now, in return for your august kindness, 1 shall
display a little of my art. Be therefore so good
as to observe that screen." He pointed to a large
eight-folding screen upon which were painted the
Eight Beautiful Views of the Lake of Omi {6mi-
Hakhei) ; and everybody looked at the screen.
In one of the views the artist had represented, far
away on the lake, a mart rowing a boat, — the
boat occupying, upon the surface of the screen,
a space of less than an inch in length. Kwashin
1 The term " bowl " would better indicate the kind of
vessel to which the story-teller refers. Some of the so-
called cups, used on festival occasions, were very large,
— ;
shallow lacquered basins capable of holding considerably
more than a quart. To empty one of the largest size, at a
draught, was considered to be no small feat.
4