Tenjin on His Way to China c. mid 18th century

"Tenjin on His Way to China," a hanging scroll by the influential Japanese Zen monk and artist Hakuin Ekaku, depicts the deity Tenjin in a dynamic pose. Created in the mid-18th century, the ink-on-paper artwork showcases Hakuin's unique calligraphic style, known for its bold strokes and expressive use of space. The figure of Tenjin is rendered in a simplified, almost abstract manner, highlighting the artist's focus on the essence of the subject rather than realistic detail. This powerful image represents the dynamic nature of Zen Buddhism and the importance of self-cultivation in reaching enlightenment.