Kakemono Calligraphy "Namu Amida Butsu"

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Period:
Shôwa (1926–1989)
Dimensions (height x width):
187 x 58 cm
Item number:
5398

This piece has been sold.

Sold – no longer available

This piece was a handmade one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.

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Details about the sold piece

  • JikusakiWood
  • Material HonshiSilk
  • MotifBuddhism and Zen, Calligraphy
  • TechniqueHand-Painted
  • Wooden BoxYes

Description

"Namu Amida Butsu" – the invocation of the Buddha Amitabha – stands at the center of Japanese Pure Land devotion (Jōdo-shū) and is recited by believers as a plea for rebirth in the Western Paradise. In powerful, flowing characters, this kakemono gives immediate expression to the writer's religious devotion, with each character set down with confident, calm momentum.

The ink characters stand clearly contoured against a warm, iridescent golden-brown paper ground, accompanied by a small signature and red seal. The mounting on silk and the overall calm, solemn impression point to a work of the Shōwa period, one that seems dedicated more to contemplation than to loud display.

The kakemono comes in a wooden box (tomobako) signed by the artist and is fitted with wooden roller ends; the border in warm earth tones blends harmoniously into the overall impression. A quiet, dignified piece for the domestic devotional space or for collectors of Buddhist calligraphy, equally suited as a retreat for moments of stillness.

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