Zen-schildering en kalligrafie 1836 - 1888

This Zen painting and calligraphy was made by Yamaoka Tesshū in the 19th century, using ink on paper. The work exemplifies the artist’s mastery of brushstroke and composition, which are central to both calligraphy and Zen painting. The materials themselves are quite simple, yet the way Tesshū manipulates the ink reveals a deep understanding of its potential, from the darkest blacks to the subtlest grays. He achieves this through varying pressure and speed. The characters and imagery seem to emerge spontaneously. This quality of immediacy is prized in Zen art, reflecting a state of mind free from calculation. Yet, of course, the appearance of effortlessness is deceptive. Tesshū devoted himself to rigorous training in both calligraphy and swordsmanship, disciplines that share a common emphasis on precision, control, and the unity of mind and body. This work reminds us that the most profound expressions often arise from disciplined practice.