Zen Calligraphy by Yamaoka Tesshū at the V&A: Now on, ending 14th Dec '08
This free exhibition entitled Zen Calligraphy and Painting by Yamaoka Tesshū marks the 120th anniversary of his death.
22 hanging scrolls by Tesshū, as well as work by two other contemporaries, can now be seen in the Toshiba gallery of Japanese Art at the Victoria and Albert museum, until the 14th December. Tesshū’s work shows a fascinating progression, and finally, a rapid change after his enlightenment at the age of 45.
But what is Zen calligraphy?
Beyond thoughts, emotions and expectations lies the state of mushin (no-mindedness). Only in this state can true creativity arise, rather than from conscious effort. The works of Yamaoka Tesshū inspired Hitsuzendo - The Way of the Zen Brush. In Hitsuzendo, calligraphy must connect the individual to the highest reality.
calligraphy –書道
progression – 進行
enlightenment –啓発
mushin – 無心
Hitsuzendo –筆禅道