慶應義塾大学アート・センター Keio University Art Center

Calligraphy and Books of Zen Priests Treasures from Century Cultural Foundation

In Japan, the calligraphic works of Zen priests are called “bokuseki —literally, traces (seki) of ink (boku)” and especially been prized in the world of the tea ceremony. Their works are highly regarded in the ‘beauty’ of the letter itself as well as the ‘spirituality’ of their works. Their works represent the fruits of their religious training attained not only through their rigorous ascetic practices but also through their steady effort in reading and writing Chinese classical literature and poetry. Bokuseki was profoundly influenced by the scholarly training and specialty in literature.

In this exhibition, we shall explore the cultural activities of Zen priests through their calligraphy and books, together with the collections of their literary works as well as the related books that served as primers.

Date

Monday 12 November - Friday 14 December 2018

Venue

Venue 1: Mita Media Center (Keio University Library) Exhibition Room
Venue 2: Keio University Art Space

Audience

Open to everyone

Cost

free

Enquiries and bookings

Keio University Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko)
03-5427-1582
http://www.sido.keio.ac.jp/

Exhibition[Treasures from Century Cultural Foundation]

Date

Venue 1: Mita Media Center (Keio University Library) Exhibition Space
Open: Weekdays 9:00 - 18:20 (until 16:50 on Saturdays)
Closed: Sundays, public holidays, and 22 – 25 November 2018

Venue 2: Keio University Art Space
Open: Weekdays 10:00–17:00
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and 22 – 25 November 2018

Venue

Venue 1: Mita Media Center (Keio University Library) Exhibition Room
2-15-45, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345
[Located on Keio University Mita Campus]

Venue2: Keio University Art Space
[Located on the ground floor of Keio University South Annex]

 

Audience

Open to everyone

Cost

free

Enquiries and bookings

Keio University Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko)
03-5427-1582
http://www.sido.keio.ac.jp/

Organiser(s)

Organised by: Keio University Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), Keio University Art Center,  Mita Media Center (Keio University Library)


Featured Works

  • Buddhist Verse (bokuseki) by Zhejian Ruying (left)
  • Buddhist Verse (bokuseki) by Huanxi Weiyi
  • Portrait of Gaofeng Yuanmiao
  • Image of Tenjin by Sekikyakushi (right)
  • Mossho Shougo: Song-ban edition (Collection of Zen monks’ teachings and verse by the Song-period)
  • Shunjū Keiden Shikkai: Gozan-ban edition (the Compiled Annotations of “the Spring and Autumn Annals—an ancient Chinese chronicle of the state of Lu” and its Commentary)
  • Kyōun-shū: Okimori edition (Mad Cloud Collection by Ikkyū Sōjun), etc.