清水公照 Shimizu Kosho (1911-1999) Todai-ji temple monk Japanese Zen art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 無 Mu with Original Box (Tomobako) RE328
offer expires at 12:01 AM PDT on 6 Mar 2026
Description
清水公照 Shimizu Kosho (1911-1999) Todai-ji temple monk Japanese Zen art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 無 Mu with Original Box (Tomobako) RE328
無 Mu
The state of mind that has transcended all relative considerations, such as whether something exists or not, whether it is right or wrong, and whether it is good or bad, is called “nothingness. In other words, it is the state of mind without discrimination. The state of mind in which the mind is free from discrimination, or “nothingness,” is the ultimate state of Zen mind.
清水公照 Shimizu Kosho (1911-1999)
Monk of the Showa and Heisei Periods Elder of Todaiji Temple and former head priest of the Kegon sect. He conducted the Showa period great repair of the Buddha Hall. He had a deep knowledge of calligraphy, literati painting, and ceramics, and created works with a unique flavor. He created a unique small Buddha statue called "泥仏 Dorobotoke (Mud Buddha)". He was called "Ima Ryokan 良寛" (meaning "present Ryokan").
Upper seal 'Mui' 無畏
with signature and seal 'Kosho' 公照
Carved from a single, decisive gesture of ink, this Zen calligraphy of “Mu” by Shimizu Kōshō (1911–1999) embodies the uncompromising clarity at the heart of his spiritual and artistic practice. The bold character stands as an expression of the Zen state beyond duality—where distinctions of right and wrong, presence and absence, self and other fall away into a field of pure awareness. Kōshō, elder monk of Tōdai‑ji and former head priest of the Kegon sect, brought to his calligraphy the same depth of insight that guided his leadership during the Shōwa‑period restoration of the Great Buddha Hall. His work is marked by a distinctive blend of literati brushwork, expressive spontaneity, and the earthy sensibility also seen in his well‑known Dorobotoke (Mud Buddha) sculptures. The scroll bears the upper seal “Mui” (無畏) and the signature‑seal pair “Kōshō” (公照), affirming its authorship. Mounted in an elegant brocade and accompanied by its original tomobako, the piece stands as a powerful example of modern Zen calligraphy—at once austere, expansive, and deeply rooted in the living tradition of Japanese Buddhist art.
Whole dimensions: 23.1" W x 49.4" H / 58.8cm x 125.5cm
Inside dimensions: 20" W x 13.1" H / 50.8cm x 33.3cm
Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Wood
Weight: 820g including Original Box (Tomobako)
Condition
Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: STAIN a little, CREASE a little, STAIN in the back of the mounting.
About the colors of the photos
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