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Six Zen Calligraphies, 1910s-1930s

Creator: Gidō Kōkan
Offered by: Thomsen Gallery

Description
Gidō Kōkan 義道弘貫
Six Zen Calligraphies, 1910s-1930s
Ink on paper
Image size each scroll 53¼ x 13¼ in. (135 x 33.5 cm)
Overall size each scroll 80¼ x 18½ in. (204 x 47 cm)
T-0965
Each signed Ōbaku Gidō sho (Written by Ōbaku Gidō) and sealed Ōbakuzanshu (Master of Mount Ōbaku) and Gidō.

Each scroll comes with a fitted kiri-wood box

Gidō Kōkan was the 48th Abbot of Manpukuji Temple in Kyoto, headquarters of the Ōbaku Sect of Rinzai Zen.

The calligraphies comprise six well-known Chinese ten-character Zen couplets, and read as follows (from right to left):

1 and 2: Pine trees do not change their color with age; bamboo has nodes both above and below ground.
3 and 4: Plum blossoms bud before snow and frost; their flowers are fragrant after wind and rain.
5 and 6: Rivers flow but once were in the ocean; the moon sinks but does leave the heavens.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	1920-1949
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Asian Art
Incollect Reference #:	759876

Dimensions

W.	13.25 in;	H.	53.25 in;
W.	33.66 cm;	H.	135.26 cm;

Message from Seller:

Thomsen Gallery, located at 9 East 63rd Street in New York City, specializes in important Japanese paintings, screens, scrolls, ceramics, ikebana bamboo baskets, and lacquer objects, as well as contemporary works by select artists. Owned by Erik and Cornelia Thomsen, the gallery offers a wealth of expertise in Japanese art, with global clientele including collectors and museums. Reach them at 212-288-2588 or info@thomsengallery.com