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Enso (ink on paper)
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Enso (ink on paper)
5324987 Enso (ink on paper) by Taido Shufu (1776-1836); 28.1x61.8 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Zen masters have long drawn circles (ensAc) in the air, scratched them in the sand, and painted them on silk and paper as symbols of perfection and the enlightened mind. TaidAc was a Rinzai Zen priest and abbot of Daitokuji, an important monastery located in Kyoto. Here, he brushed a perfectly round ensAc with the following couplet: With a heart permeated with innocence The virtuous dragon walks alone. According to Sen RikyA (1522-91), Japans most famous tea master, calligraphy by Zen priests is the most appropriate decoration for the tea ceremony.); eMinneapolis Institute of Art; Gift of the Friends of the Institutes Teahouse Fund; Japanese, out of copyright
Media ID 22875706
© Minneapolis Institute of Art Gift of the Friends of the Institute's Teahouse Fund / Bridgeman Images
Buddhism Calligraphy Circle Circular Enlightenment Geometric Gestural Hanging Scroll Perfect Perfection Philosophical Philosophy Round Skilful Skill Brushstroke Freehand
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This print showcases the profound beauty of Taido Shufu's "Enso (ink on paper)" artwork. The image captures a circular ink brushstroke, known as an ensō, which has been skillfully crafted by the renowned Rinzai Zen priest and abbot of Daitokuji, Taido Shufu. The ensō symbolizes perfection and enlightenment in Zen philosophy. For centuries, Zen masters have drawn circles in various mediums to represent the enlightened mind. In this particular piece, Taido Shufu's brushwork creates a flawless round shape that exudes a sense of harmony and balance. Accompanying the ensō is a couplet written by Taido himself: "With a heart permeated with innocence, The virtuous dragon walks alone". These poetic words further enhance the philosophical depth of the artwork. According to Sen Rikyū, Japan's most famous tea master from the 16th century, calligraphy by Zen priests is deemed as an ideal decoration for tea ceremonies. This emphasizes how deeply intertwined art and spirituality are in Japanese culture. Displayed at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in Minnesota, USA, this hanging scroll serves as both an aesthetic delight and a reminder of our pursuit for perfection and enlightenment. Its freehand drawing style adds gestural energy to its geometric form while evoking contemplation within viewers' minds. As we gaze upon this mesmerizing piece captured by Bridgeman Images' lens through Fine Art Finder platform, we cannot help but be captivated by its skilful execution and profound symbolism rooted in Buddhist teachings.
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