Handscroll of Calligraphy by Ōbaku Zen Monks 1650 - 1750

Curator: This is a handscroll of calligraphy created between 1650 and 1750 by Ōbaku Zen Monks, part of the Metropolitan Museum’s collection. The artist, or rather the collective of artists, goes by Yinyuan Longqui, or Ingen Ryūki. It's ink on paper, and it immediately strikes me by its historical weight, reflecting philosophical ideas of the time. Editor: My first impression is one of starkness, yet contained energy. The brushstrokes, though deliberate, seem almost to dance across the aged paper. Curator: Indeed. Calligraphy, especially in Zen Buddhism, goes beyond mere writing; it's a profound spiritual practice, a way to embody and express enlightenment through the brush. I am fascinated by its historical and social context, and its potential political implications. This work of art could subtly critique power structures of its era, using calligraphy as a medium for conveying resistance or philosophical dissent. Editor: The spacing and the varying thicknesses of the strokes evoke a sense of meditative rhythm. Consider, too, that calligraphy can signify a spiritual and physical discipline: a dedication to hours of practice to perfect the fluid grace found here. Those symbols are visual manifestations of inner peace. Curator: Absolutely. The 'emptiness' surrounding the characters holds as much significance as the ink itself, reminiscent of the Daoist concept of 'wu wei'—effortless action, or non-action—reflecting a deeper understanding of harmony and balance. Editor: I am struck by how these seemingly abstract forms possess the power to evoke emotions and impart profound insights. The symbols create a connection across cultures and through time, speaking a universal language that resonates within us. Curator: For me, this scroll illustrates how art can transcend time and space, offering new understandings to how resistance and spirituality can find its medium in an artistic form such as calligraphy. Editor: And for me, this exemplifies how art encapsulates meaning through powerful symbols passed down through generations, still echoing with vitality.