Zen Dog by Kato Goun (1915-1992) [Jo]Shu said, "MU!" Showa Metal Dog Year [1970] Zuigan [Abbot] Goun In the most famous of Zen koans, when asked if a dog had Buddha-nature, the Chinese Zen master Joshu said, "MU!" MU means "NO!"--a "no" that transcends the notions of "no" or "yes." (When Joshu was asked the same question later, he replied, YU! "Yes.") Abbots of large temples such as Zuigan-ji, a lovely Zen temple in Matsushima where Goun served for many years, often brushed "New Year paintings" for their parishioners. This of course was written for the year of the Dog. Goun has captured both aspects--"no" and "yes"--of the dog's Buddha-nature perfectly. About the Artist Kato (Ruyuho) Goun was long-time abbot of Zuigan-ji, a lovely old Rinzai temple in Matsushima, one of the most beautiful places in Japan. His calligraphy is prized by connoisseurs of the tea ceremony. Other Scrolls by Kato Goun: Zen Chickens Zen Rabbit Horse SCROLL DETAILS Price: SOLD Scroll Notes: New mounting, wooden box, great smaller-size scroll of this traditional Zen subject. Dimensions (inches): 14.00" (width) x 48.00" (height) Purchase Reference Number: 197 View Large Image Enlarge Image

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