Chinese phrase

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.

Maker(s)
Artist: Mokuan Shoto (1611-1684)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 17th century
School
Obaku
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 138.4 × 29 cm (54 1/2 × 11 7/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1980.195
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Calligraphy
Type

Hanging scroll

Keywords
Buddhism, cursive script, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, Zen Buddhism
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
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.

Inscription(s)

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."

Published References
  • Fu Shen, Glenn D. Lowry, Ann Yonemura, Thomas Lawton. From Concept to Context: Approaches to Asian and Islamic Calligraphy. Exh. cat. Washington. cat. 33, p. 98.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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