Poetic Phrases
a) Hiin Tsūyō Chinese
Calligrapher Mu'an Xingtao Chinese
c) Jifei Ruyi Chinese
Not on view
Ōbaku Zen calligraphy is characterized by strong, boldly brushed characters in one or sometimes two columns. These scrolls, inscribed by Mokuan Shōtō and Sokuhi Nyoitsu (Chinese: Jifei Ruji), display the directness and bravura assurance that typifies the best Ōbaku calligraphic works. Both monks were disciples of Ingen (who brought Ōbaku to Japan) and emigrated from China to assist him in maintaining the uniquely Chinese traditions and monastic regulations of the sect.
Their poetic phrases read:
At sunrise, the sky rejoices. [Mokuan; on the right]
Through the Fusang tree, the rising sun is pure red. [Sokuhi; on the left]
—trans. John T. Carpenter
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
