Versione ebook di Readme.it powered by Softwarehouse.it The Stingy Artist
Gessen was an artist monk. Before he would start a drawing or painting he always insisted upon being paid in advanceand his fees were high. He was known as the "Stingy Artist."
A geisha once gave him a commission for a painting. "How much can you pay?" inquired Gessen.
'Whatever you charge,replied the girlbut I want you to do the work in front of me.
So on a certain day Gessen was called by the geisha. She was holding a feast for her patron.
Gessen with fine brush work did the paining. When it was completed he asked the highest sum of his time.
He received his pay. Then the geisha turned to her patron saying: "All this artist wants is money. His paintings are fine but his mind is dirty; money has caused it to become muddy. Drawn by such a filthy mindhis work is not fit to exhibit. It is just about good enough for one of my petticoats."
Removing her skirtshe then asked Gessen to do another picture on the back of her petticoat.
How much will you pay?asked Gessen.
Oh, any amount,answered the girl.
Gessen named a fancy pricepainted the picture in the manner requestedand went away.
It was learned later that Gessen had these reasons for desiring money:
A ravaging famine often visited his province. The rich would not help the poorso Gessen had a secret warehouseunknown to anyonewhich he kept filled with grainprepared for these emergencies.
From his village to the National Shrine the road was in very poor condition and many travelers suffered while traversing it. He desired to build a better road.
His teacher had passed away without realizing his wish to build a templeand Gessen wished to complete this temple for him.
After Gessen had accomplished his three wishes he threw away his brushes and artist's materials andretiring to the mountainsnever painted again.
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