Chinese phrase

Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
-
Period
17th century -
Geography
Japan -
Material
Ink on paper -
Dimension
H x W (image): 138.4 × 29 cm (54 1/2 × 11 7/16 in) -
Accession Number
F1980.195 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_F1980.195
Object Details
-
Artist
Mokuan Shoto (1611-1684) -
School/Tradition
Obaku -
Description
A single column of five widely spaced Chinese characters written with vigorous brush strokes [in cursive characters] gives a phrase that carries a number of meanings. It may be literally rendered, "The tip of the stick opens the true [or orthodox] eye." The stick may be understood to refer to the stick used by Zen (C: Chan) masters in training their disciples. -
Inscriptions
1. (Excerpted from catalogue entry, From Concept to Context: Approaches to Asian and Islamic Calligraphy, 1986, no. 33) In the single line of cursive script along the lefthand edge of the scroll, the calligrapher identifies himself as "The thiry-third generation after Rinzai [C: Linji], Obaku Mokuan [C: Huangbo Muan]." The signature is followed by two seals. The upper intaglio seal reads, "Shaku-kai to in [Seal of the Ordained Monk (Shoto)]." The lower seal carved in relief reads, "Mokuan shi." In the upper right corner is another seal, reading, "Hogai gakushi." -
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection -
Exhibition History
Spreading the Word (May 18 to November 12, 2018)The Idea of China in Japan: The Tea Ceremony in Japan (December 19, 1999 to June 11, 2000)From Concept to Context: Approaches to Asian and Islamic Calligraphy (July 28, 1986 to February 6, 1987)Japanese Calligraphy (December 21, 1984 to November 7, 1985) -
Origin
Japan -
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment -
Type
Calligraphy -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.
Keep Exploring
-
Related Resources
-
Date
-
Name
-
Place
-
Topic
-
Culture
-
Object Type