Zen Aphorism

Inscribed as a single line of characters enclosed within a light ink line is a Zen Buddhist aphorism which may be translated, “Through sharp discipline, the ancients prosper brilliantly.”

Maker(s)
Artist: Hakuin Ekaku 白隠慧鶴 (1685-1768)
Historical period(s)
Edo period
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 173.6 x 33.5 cm (68 3/8 x 13 3/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Gift of Elizabeth ten Grotenhuis and Merton C. Flemings
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Study Collection
Accession Number
FSC-PA-230a-c
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Calligraphy
Type

Hanging scroll

Keywords
Buddhism, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, Zen Buddhism
Provenance

To 2003
Elizabeth ten Grotenhuis, Cambridge, Massachusetts. [1]

From 2003
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Elizabeth ten Grotenhuis, Cambridge, Massachusetts. [2]

Notes:

[1] See Curatorial Remark 1 in the object record.

[2] See note 1.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Elizabeth ten Grotenhuis

Description

Inscribed as a single line of characters enclosed within a light ink line is a Zen Buddhist aphorism which may be translated, "Through sharp discipline, the ancients prosper brilliantly."

Inscription(s)

1. (Ann Yonemura, 9/26/03, From Acquisition Consideration Report)

The Zen master Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768) is identified by three seals: at upper right, a relief seal reading "Ryu [ ] sen ten;" at lower left, a square seal reading "Ekaku" and a tripod-shaped seal reading "Hakuin." The storage box for this scroll carries an inscription dated October 1960 indicating that the scroll was presented as a gift to the Tsurugibashi Buddhist Association. The inscription is signed by Sokan, Chief Priest of the Myokozenji in Owari Prefecture.

2. (Elizabeth F. Duley, 11/21/03)

Note that the inscription is on both sides of box lid. Paper label with inscription on end of box.

Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. 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 Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use