Chinese phrase
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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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
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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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