Heart Sutra in Large Characters on Aged Paper
Sold – no longer available
This piece was handmade by Nan'yō and was a one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.
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Details about the sold piece
- Height 185 cm
- Width 58 cm
- Item Type Kakemono
- Jikusaki Metal
- Material Honshi Washi (Rice Paper)
- Period of Creation Shôwa (1926–1989)
- Technique Hand-Painted
- Unique Work Yes
- Wooden Box Yes
No longer available
Description
With even, finely chiseled brushwork, the complete text of the Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyo) extends over the entire length of this kakemono – column by column in clear, disciplined kaisho script, completed with the signature and red seal of the calligrapher who executed it. The slightly yellowed paper and fine grain suggest a work from the Shôwa period (1926–1989).
The Heart Sutra is among the best-known texts of Mahayana Buddhism and is still recited and rendered in calligraphy in Japan today to cultivate concentration and inner calm – each individual character is formed in conscious, meditative mindfulness. The metal ends of the roller rods give the kakemono a subtly refined finish.
This calligraphy is delivered in a signed wooden box (tomobako), which further confirms the authenticity and provenance of the work.
