Kakemono Zen Calligraphy "The Way"

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Signature / Stamp:
Yasutaka Nakamura
Period:
Shôwa (1926–1989)
Dimensions (height x width):
126 x 58 cm
Item number:
6181

This piece has been sold.

Sold – no longer available

This piece was handmade by Yasutaka Nakamura and was a 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

A single, powerfully written character dominates this hanging scroll: 道 (dō), commonly translated as "The Way." In Zen Buddhism, it denotes the spiritual path and the teaching of attaining awakening through direct experience – not through philosophical discussion or ritual practice, but through one's own lived action. The dynamic brushwork, executed as if in a single breath, makes this idea of direct experience visible in itself.

The calligraphy is executed on silk and bears the signature and seal of Yasutaka Nakamura from the Shôwa period. The roller of the hanging scroll is made of wood, and the work is kept in a fitted wooden box – evidence of the careful treatment by previous owners.

Zen calligraphies like this one, referred to in Japanese as bokuseki, were traditionally regarded not only as works of art but also as objects of meditation in the tokonoma, inviting the viewer to inner contemplation. A meaningful piece for lovers of Japanese calligraphy and Buddhist wisdom teachings.

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