Kakemono Zen Calligraphy "Wind in the Pines, Wisdom of the Ages"

Two powerfully rendered characters fill the picture surface of this kakemono with energetic brushwork: 松風 (Shōfū), "Wind in the Pines." The phrase 松風傳古今 states that the sound of the wind between the pines contains the wisdom of all ages – an image for the timeless insight of Zen, conveyed through nature. The dynamic, slightly rough brushwork with its spontaneous branching at the end of the strokes directly conveys the movement and sound that the characters describe, making the calligraphy a meditative anchor for the viewer.

The work bears the signature and seal of Kobayashi Taigen, a respected Zen monk and calligrapher who serves as abbot of Obai-in at Daitoku-ji temple in Kyoto. Written on paper and fitted with a jikusaki of wood, this hand-written unique work is a powerful expression of Japanese Zen art.