Chinese phrase

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

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