I will not get involved
in the meaning or implications of this Zen Buddhist expression but it reads;
HONRAI MUICHIMOTSU, a single line
calligraphy that the great Zen pioneer Hakuin Ekaku and many other liked to
brush. This particular scroll is by the highly versatile painter, calligrapher,
sculptor and potter, Tsukigata Nahiko. Brushed in a thick and bold black ink,
the easily identifiable calligraphy stands out against the stark white paper
which is punctuated in three spots with the read seals of the artist. The
mounts are very well done but are simple in that they don't add any conflict
with the ink though they frame the painting to the fullest. The scroll is hung
in a spot which the owner has "designated" their Western tokonoma and
on a lacquer stand there sits a simple, bluish white Yi Dynasty style 20th
century Korean vase which happens to be in-between its floral garnish at the
moment. In receiving this photo I am reminded how easy it is to create small
accents of Japan within an otherwise thoroughly Western environment.
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