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Description

山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888) Japanese antique art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 誰解幽人幽意 慣看山鳥山花 Two Lines Calligraphy RC692

誰解幽人幽意 慣看山鳥山花
Who could possibly understand the hermit's deepest thoughts?
This state of mind, accustomed to observing mountain birds and wildflowers.

山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888)
A famous samurai of the Bakumatsu period, who played an important role in the Meiji Restoration. The founder of the Itto Shoden Muto-ryu school of swordsmanship. Brother-in-law of Takahashi Deishu. Together with Katsu Kaishu and Takahashi Deishu, he is known as one of the Three Shu (Sanshu) of the Bakumatsu Period. During the Boshin War, he met Saigo Takamori as an emissary of Katsu Kaishu and paved the way for the opening of Edo Castle. He mastered the three arts of swordsmanship, Zen, and calligraphy. It is said that he wrote a million sheets of calligraphy during his lifetime because he never refused to write if people asked him to.

with signature 'Tesshu' 鉄舟 and seal 'Yamaoka Takayuki' 山岡高歩 'Tesshu koji' 鉄舟居士

This two-line calligraphy scroll by Yamaoka Tesshu (1836–1888) embodies the Zen-infused clarity and introspection for which he is renowned. The verse: 誰解幽人幽意 慣看山鳥山花
Who could possibly understand the hermit's deepest thoughts?
This state of mind, accustomed to observing mountain birds and wildflowers.
—offers a poetic glimpse into the quiet solitude and spiritual detachment of the recluse, a theme deeply resonant with Tesshu’s own practice of swordsmanship, Zen, and calligraphy. The brushwork is bold yet fluid, reflecting his mastery of Mushin (no-mind), where form arises from pure presence rather than conscious control. Signed “Tesshu” (鉄舟) and sealed “Yamaoka Takayuki” (山岡高歩) and “Tesshu Koji” (鉄舟居士), the scroll stands as both a literary and visual testament to his lifelong pursuit of unity between action and awareness. It is not merely a decorative piece, but a distilled expression of Tesshu’s philosophical depth and the aesthetic rigor of late Edo-period calligraphy.

Whole dimensions: 31.6" W x 82.2" H / 80.4cm x 208.8cm
Inside dimensions: 23.6" W x 52.8" H / 60cm x 134.3cm

Material: Paper
Technique: Hand-painted
Roller ends: Bone

Weight: 590g

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, CREASE, FOLD, WARP, STAIN in the back of the mounting.

About the colors of the photos

The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.

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