Zen Calligraphy "Wind in the Pines, Wisdom of the Ages"

Name: Zen Calligraphy "Wind in the Pines, Wisdom of the Ages"
Brand: Kobayashi Taigen
SKU: 6103
Price: 860.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Kakemono, unique work, with box, 167 x 38 cm

Product number: 6103

Height 167 cm
Width 38 cm
Item Type Kakemono
Jikusaki Wood
Material Honshi Paper
Period of Creation Shôwa (1926–1989)
Technique Hand-Painted
Unique Work Yes
Wooden Box Yes

Signature / Stamp:

Kobayashi Taigen

€860.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 Days

Description

Two powerfully rendered characters fill the picture surface of this kakemono with energetic brushwork: 松風 (Shōfū), "Wind in the Pines." The phrase 松風傳古今 states that the sound of the wind between the pines contains the wisdom of all ages – an image for the timeless insight of Zen, conveyed through nature. The dynamic, slightly rough brushwork with its spontaneous branching at the end of the strokes directly conveys the movement and sound that the characters describe, making the calligraphy a meditative anchor for the viewer.

The work bears the signature and seal of Kobayashi Taigen, a respected Zen monk and calligrapher who serves as abbot of Obai-in at Daitoku-ji temple in Kyoto. Written on paper and fitted with a jikusaki of wood, this hand-written unique work is a powerful expression of Japanese Zen art.

Frequently asked

Does this piece come with a wooden box (Tomobako)?

Yes, this work is delivered with a wooden box.

Does this work carry a seal or signature?

Yes, this piece carries the signature or seal of Kobayashi Taigen

When was the work created?

Based on the previous owners' information and the condition of the object we place it broadly in the Shôwa (1926–1989) period, but cannot give a precise date.

Is this genuine craftsmanship?

Yes, this piece is a genuine handcrafted original that exists only once.

Why does the date of creation sometimes not match the artist's dates

Because the two pieces of information speak about different things: the period designation describes the object – support, colors, condition – while the signature reflects which name appears on the painting. In most cases there is no attempt at deception behind this, but rather Japanese painting training: copying from workshop models was the curriculum for centuries, an utsushi is regarded as a bow to the teacher, workshops signed with the master's name, and artist names were passed down within a school. Such a hanging scroll is therefore not a forgery, but a hand-painted one-of-a-kind that continues the formal language of its school – just not the work of the famous name, and priced accordingly. We explain this in detail in the guide Why does a kakemono often bear the signature of an artist long deceased?.