Kenchoji Temple: Temple Discipline

JAPAN, Kanagawa, Kamakura; Kamakura period

The composition of this scroll is similar to Advice on Diligence in Meditation Practice, also written by Master Lanxi Daolong. Thought to have been scripted as a set, the two works were written during Lanxi’s time as abbot of Kenchoji Temple in Japan. This particular piece describes the rules and regulations that monks of the temple must follow, as well as the respective punishments for infringement of the rules. It was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1952.
Brushstrokes of the running script calligraphy are similar to those seen in works by Song dynasty (960–1279) calligrapher Zhang Jizhi. Upper and lower characters are within a short proximity of one another, adding a slight sense of urgency to the overall emotion of the piece.
Lanxi Daolong, also known as Rankei Doryo in Japan, was a Chan master of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism who lived during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). He moved to Japan in the year 1246 during the Kamakura period (1185–1333). He studied calligraphy under Huang Tingjian, and was also influenced by the style of Zhang Jizhi. The strokes of his calligraphy are powerful and solid in character.