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
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