Ant on a Stone Mill 

Hakuin Ekaku likely made this ink drawing on paper sometime in the 18th century. It shows an ant atop a millstone, with a few lines of calligraphy to the left. The minimal tools of brush and ink are here deployed to maximal philosophical effect. Hakuin was, after all, one of the great Zen Buddhist thinkers. The monochrome palette emphasizes the textures inherent in the materials – the absorbency of the paper, and the fluidity of the ink, each interacting with the artist’s touch. This economy of means is typical of Zen practice. The art lies not in the accumulation of detail, but in the clarity of expression. This image also speaks to the spirit of labor, highlighting the effort of the ant in relation to the enormity of the millstone. Ultimately, in ‘Ant on a Stone Mill’, Hakuin asks us to consider the world in miniature. The artwork prompts a reflection on the importance of materials, making, and context, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.