Main Temple Gate Supplication

CHINA; Southern Song dynasty

Transcribed by Chan Master Wuzhun Shifan, this manuscript was created for the inauguration of Wannian Zhengxu Temple. A Main Temple Gate Supplication is usually written in celebration of a newly constructed temple. Brief details of the temple building process are also included in this example. The manuscript was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1964.
The calligraphic style of this work is likened to that of Song dynasty (960–1279) calligrapher Mi Fu. This similarity is most apparent where the script becomes highly cursive, and appears as if it was written in one continuous movement. However, despite being cursive in style, most characters are distinct from one another and not joined in stroke. The piece is also reminiscent of the works of Southern Song (1127–1279) calligraphers Zhang Jizhi and Zhao Mengfu, as can be seen in portions of the manuscript where regular and running scripts meet. Overall, an angular and neat character form is rendered, which yields an unprecedented and liberal style that goes beyond that of Mi Fu.
Wuzhun Shifan, whose original name was Yong, was an eminent Southern Song dynasty monk of the Linji school of Chan Buddhismwhose calligraphy is well-known and highly regarded in Japan.