MU
by Dairei (twentieth century)
MU!
(signed) Murasakino* Dairei kao** * Another name for Daitoku-ji.
** A kao is a personal cipher used in lieu of a seal.
Mu is the most famous of Zen koan, the one barrier every Zen student must penetrate. The koan itself first appears in case number one of the famous Zen text Mumonkan: "A monk asked Joshu, 'Has a dog the buddha-nature?' Joshu replied, 'Mu.'" Mu means "no," "naught," or "nothing." In Zen, it is interpreted as "not this, not that," a pure state of being beyond the limitations of words and thoughts. This particular mu seems to form a head that is spitting out the word itself.
About the Artist
From the signature we can tell that Dairei was associated with of one of the many subtitles of Daitoku-ji, but no other details are known.
SCROLL DETAILS
- Price: SOLD
- Scroll Notes:
Original mounting, good condition, interesting and unusual calligraphic expression of this key Zen concept. No box.
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Dimensions (inches): 17.50" (width) x 48.00" (height)
- Purchase Reference Number: 121
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