Ensô 

Hakuin Ekaku made this Ensō with ink on paper sometime in the mid-18th century. Ensō, meaning "circle," is a Zen Buddhist symbol representing enlightenment, wholeness, and the void. In feudal Japan, Zen Buddhism was often embraced by the samurai class, informing their disciplined approach to life and combat. Hakuin, a prominent Zen master, used art as a tool for teaching and spiritual practice. His work reflects the broader cultural context of Edo period Japan, a time of relative peace and flourishing of the arts under the Tokugawa shogunate. The imperfection of the circle, the brushstrokes, and the accompanying calligraphy are integral. This piece is a product of a specific cultural and religious context. Analyzing the historical context of Zen Buddhism and the social history of the Edo period gives deeper meaning to Hakuin’s work. Research into the archives of the monasteries and the biographies of the samurai class may help to reveal a deeper understanding of it.