Zen-kalligrafie 1634 - 1673

This hanging scroll features Zen calligraphy by Hakugan, a monk who lived in the early Edo period in Japan. His life was shaped by the socio-political context of the time, when the Tokugawa shogunate was working to consolidate power. Calligraphy was an important Zen practice to focus the mind, and as such, it was deeply personal. Hakugan's work reflects not only his skill, but also his spiritual and emotional state. The bold, fluid strokes of the characters communicate a sense of freedom and spontaneity which were valued in Zen Buddhism. The inscription includes a poem, showing the integration of literary and artistic expression. The Zen aesthetic values simplicity, naturalness, and imperfection. The calligraphy invites viewers to contemplate the meaning of the words and to engage with the artist's personal journey. It challenges traditional notions of beauty, because instead of aiming for technical perfection, it values the authenticity of the artist's expression. It resonates as an echo of Hakugan’s life, reflecting the complex interplay between identity, spirituality, and artistic expression.