Orchids c. 14th century

This 14th-century hanging scroll, "Orchids," by the Japanese Zen monk Tesshū Tokusai, exemplifies the minimalist and evocative style of ink painting common in Zen Buddhism. The subtle brushstrokes depict a cluster of orchids, their delicate forms rendered in shades of grey against a dark background. This spare composition invites contemplation and meditation, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and the inherent elegance of nature. The work's delicate lines and restrained use of ink reflect the Zen aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the impermanence and inherent beauty of all things.