Single Line Calligraphy

Nakahara Nantenbō

1839–1925

Single Line Calligraphy, 1800s–early 1900s

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: paper; ink

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 133.8 x 32.3 cm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 52 11/16 x 12 11/16 in
Mount Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 190.4 x 50.5 cm
Mount Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 74 15/16 x 19 7/8 in

Credit line: Gift of Jay Gates, Director, Spencer Museum of Art, 1984–1987

Accession number: 2012.0589

Not on display

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Nature/Natural

Nantembō was a leading monk who contributed to the revival of Zen Buddhism in the 20th century. Traveling throughout Japan, Nantembō established training centers for novices and led public Zen meetings. Moreover, he frequently engaged in debates with other eminent Zen masters of his day. Like many other Zen priests, Nantembō practiced calligraphy as part of his religious discipline. In this hanging scroll he brushed two characters: 萬歳 (manzai or “ten thousand years”), a metaphor for longevity. The calligraphy starts with a heavy, wet brush loaded with ink. It ends with dry, rapid energetic brushstrokes known as “flying white.” These bold, rhythmical brushstrokes resonate with Nantembō’s vigorous spirit. As Nantembō was often requested to brush calligraphy to commemorate auspicious occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or the advent of the New Year, this work may have been given to someone as a wish for long life.

Nantembo was a leading monk who contributed to the revival of Zen Buddhism in the 20th century. Traveling throughout Japan, Nantembo established training centers for novices and led public Zen meetings. Moreover, he frequently engaged in debates with other eminent Zen masters of his day. Like many other Zen priests, Nantembo practiced calligraphy as part of his religious discipline. In this hanging scroll he brushed two characters: ?? (manzai or “ten thousand years”), a metaphor for longevity. The calligraphy starts with a heavy, wet brush loaded with ink. It ends with dry, rapid energetic brushstrokes known as “flying white.” These bold, rhythmical brushstrokes resonate with Nantembo’s vigorous spirit. As Nantembo was often requested to brush calligraphy to commemorate auspicious occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or the advent of the New Year, this work may have been given to someone as a wish for long life.

Exhibition Label: "Nature/Natural," Jan-2014, Kris Ercums Nantembō was a leading monk who contributed to the revival of Zen Buddhism in the 20th century. Traveling throughout Japan, Nantembō established training centers for novices and led public Zen meetings. Moreover, he frequently engaged in debates with other eminent Zen masters of his day. Like many other Zen priests, Nantembō practiced calligraphy as part of his religious discipline. In this hanging scroll he brushed two characters: 萬歳 (manzai or “ten thousand years”), a metaphor for longevity. The calligraphy starts with a heavy, wet brush loaded with ink. It ends with dry, rapid energetic brushstrokes known as “flying white.” These bold, rhythmical brushstrokes resonate with Nantembō’s vigorous spirit. As Nantembō was often requested to brush calligraphy to commemorate auspicious occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or the advent of the New Year, this work may have been given to someone as a wish for long life.