Painting on Zen Enlightenment (Sanping baring his chest and Shigong stretching his bow) 

Kanō Motonobu painted "Painting on Zen Enlightenment" in the mid-Muromachi period in Japan, a time of cultural flourishing under the patronage of the shogunate and Zen Buddhism. This diptych depicts two Zen masters embodying enlightenment through unconventional acts. On the right, Sanping bares his chest, a gesture of openness and lack of inhibition, challenging social norms and expressing spiritual freedom. On the left, Shigong stretches his bow, symbolizing the focused energy and discipline required to reach enlightenment. The choice of Zen Buddhism as a subject reflects the cultural and philosophical climate of the time, while the active poses of the figures suggest an emotional depth, inviting viewers to reflect on the personal journey toward enlightenment. The figures disrupt the traditional depictions of the Zen masters, which gives an alternative narrative about their lives and spiritual beliefs. The artwork encourages contemplation on how Zen principles can be integrated into one's life. It mirrors how society can reflect the tensions between personal expression and cultural expectations.