The Kura - Japanese Art Treasures

Robert Mangold has been working with Japanese antiques since 1995 with an emphasis on ceramics, Paintings, Armour and Buddhist furniture.

Japanese Zen Priest Calligraphy Scroll, Yamada Mumon


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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1980: Item # 886604

Please refer to our stock # MOR2566 when inquiring.
The Kura
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
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The character Kotobuki followed by a playful verse crying Watashiya kyujukyu made (Longevity, I live to 99). Ink on paper enclosed in a subtle cloth border befitting Zen art. It is stamped Taishitsu (his art name) and enclosed in the original signed wooden box with the same inscription on the lid. The scroll measures 10 by 73 inches (26.5 x 185 cm). There is some cupping in the scroll, otherwise in fine condition. Mumon (1900-1988) studied law in his youth, but was converted to the life of Buddhism by a statement of Confucian theory which says, rather than become a lawyer, create a world where there is no need for courts. After taking the tonsure, he initially studied under Kawaguchi Ekai, the first Japanese Zen priest to visit Tibet. However after several years in isolation battling tuberculosis, he emerged to receive his certificate of enlightenment from Seisetsu Genjo, and went on to head a number of prominent Zen temples. Later in life Mumon traveled the world, working hard to spread to light of Rinzai Zen.