Chan (Zen) Wisdom
Artist
Jiang Zhaoshen
(Chinese, 1925 - 1996)
Date1970s
MediumHanging scroll; ink on silk
DimensionsMount: 57 7/8 × 52 1/4 inches (147 × 132.72 cm)
Credit LineGift of Marc and Elizabeth Wilson in memory of Judith M. Cooke
Object number2001.29
SignedChao-shen (Zhaoshen)
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionHanging wall scroll with two Chinese characters written with ink and brush. Read from left to right, they are "Chan Hui"Gallery LabelJiang Zhaoshen skillfully manipulates a large brush to create the two Chinese characters Chan hui, meaning “the wisdom of Chan.” By lifting the brush from the paper and allowing the dry tips to separate, he created white streaks within the strokes, a calligraphic style known as feibai (flying white).
In China, calligraphy is an art form regarded as equal or superior to painting in status. It is particularly important in the Chan (commonly known as Zen) Buddhist tradition because the characters have doctrinal significance and the dynamic brushwork evokes notions of enlightenment.
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Kano Tan'yū
Edo period (1615-1868)
2008.31
