Description

山田無文 Yamada Mumon (1900-1988) Myoshin-ji temple monk priest Japanese Zen kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 寿 わしゃ九十九萬天 Kotobuki Washa 99 made (Long life! I'll live to be ninety-nine.) with Box RE225

寿 Kotobuki
寿 Kotobuki means auspicious things or longevity.

わしゃ九十九萬天 Washa 99 made
I'll live to be ninety-nine years old.

山田無文 Yamada Mumon (1900-1988)
Yamada Mumon was a Rinzai school roshi, calligrapher, and former abbot of Shofuku-ji in Kobe, Japan. Mumon was also the former head of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Japan. His most prominent student (and Dharma heir) is Harada Shodo of Sogen-ji, an influential master in both Japan and the United States.

Upper seal 'Nenge' 拈華
with seal 'Shoho Sanshu' 正法山主 'Mumon Dojin' 無文道人

This dynamic Zen hanging scroll by Yamada Mumon (1900–1988) features the bold inscription “Kotobuki – Washa Kujūkyū Manten” (寿 わしゃ九十九萬天), a lively and auspicious phrase meaning “Long life! I’ll live to be ninety‑nine.” The character “Kotobuki” (寿) expresses blessings and longevity, while the playful declaration below reflects Mumon’s spirited personality and his lighthearted approach to Zen. The calligraphy is executed with vigorous, flowing strokes that radiate vitality and presence, embodying the immediacy and joy found in Zen expression. The scroll bears Mumon’s seals “Nenge” (拈華), “Shoho Sanshu” (正法山主), and “Mumon Dojin” (無文道人), affirming his position within the Rinzai lineage. Accompanied by a preservation box, this work combines humor, energy, and spiritual depth in a single powerful inscription.

Whole dimensions: 20.1" W x 80.1" H / 51.3cm x 203.5cm
Inside dimensions: 13.1" W x 54.4" H / 33.5cm x 138.2cm

Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Wood

Weight: 700g including Box

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, 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 of 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.

Shipping

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