Kakemono Enso – Zen Calligraphy of the Circle

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Period:
Shôwa (1926–1989)
Dimensions (height x width):
120 x 61 cm
Item number:
6161

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 HonshiPaper
  • MotifBuddhism and Zen, Calligraphy
  • TechniqueHand-Painted

Description

A dark circle, drawn as if in a single breath, dominates the picture field of this kakemono: the ensō, one of the best-known motifs of Zen calligraphy. The brush sets down forcefully, circling the surface in an even sweep and leaving a small opening at the lower edge, where beginning and end almost, but not quite, touch.

This deliberate incompleteness is an integral part of the symbolism: the ensō stands for the unity of becoming and passing away, for emptiness and fullness at once, and is regarded as a direct expression of the state of mind at the moment of painting. Since no correction is possible, its execution is considered one of the most demanding exercises in Zen art.

The sheet has come down to us unsigned, which does nothing to diminish the effect of the pure, powerful circle. Mounted unobtrusively on light-colored paper, this kakemono is especially well suited as a quiet, meditative focal point in a simply designed living room or tea room.

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