Ink Plum 1400 - 1480

Here are two hanging scrolls, "Ink Plum," created in the late 15th century by the artist Heisen Myōshitsu. Painted with ink on paper, the pale grey wash provides the backdrop for dynamic compositions of plum blossoms. Note how the blossoms are strategically placed to create visual interest. The contrast between the bare branches and delicate white blossoms suggests a moment of transition. The ink wash technique, with its subtle gradations, evokes a sense of depth and atmosphere, inviting a contemplative viewing experience. Byōsen’s work operates within a rich cultural context, blending Chan Buddhist principles with Chinese Song and Yuan dynasty painting styles. These pieces use a semiotic language of nature to represent a larger symbolic order that destabilizes any fixed interpretation. Consider how these elements—the ink, brushwork, composition and stark beauty—invite continuous reflection and reinterpretation.