Mu 

Hakuin Ekaku made this calligraphic piece, ‘Mu’, sometime between the late 17th and mid-18th century, with ink on paper. Ekaku was a prominent figure in the revival of Zen Buddhism, and his approach to materials and process holds profound meaning. The monochrome ink, applied with a brush, becomes more than just a writing tool, it is a medium for spiritual expression. Notice how the ink’s fluidity allows for both precision and spontaneity; areas of deep saturation contrast with lighter, almost translucent washes. Ekaku's skilled handling of the brush, born of disciplined practice, allows the character to materialize, not just as a word, but as an embodiment of Zen principles. The kanji ‘Mu,’ meaning ‘no’ or ‘nothingness,’ is depicted with a dynamic energy that belies its simple definition. Ultimately, ‘Mu’ encourages us to consider the action of writing itself as a form of making. In Ekaku's hands, ink and paper transcend their material origins, pointing towards a deeper philosophical understanding.