Heart Sutra

TAIWAN; Yuan dynasty

This manuscript, containing 26 lines and 290 characters, was produced by Zhao Mengfu in a style that suggests it is likely one of his later works. According to the postscript annotated by Zhao, this folded book was produced for Chan Master Zhongfeng Mingben, the monk under whom Zhao took his Buddhist refuge vows. Under Zhongfeng Minben’s tutelage, Zhao began copying sutras as a religious practice, and this piece was one such work. Zhao’s diligence and dedication was what probably led Temur Khan (reigned 1294–1307) of the Yuan dynasty to commission him to produce a handwritten Buddhist Canon.
This sutra is written in running script, although signs of cursive style can be observed. Implicit links appear in strokes where the brushwork is wielded speedily, adding a sense of movement to the piece. The characters generally consist of square, upright strokes with robust forms, which provide a settled appearance to the overall script. Semblances with the Heart Sutra manuscript transcribed following the Preface to Sagely Teachings in Wang Xizhi’s Calligraphy can be observed in the character depiction and layout. The authenticity of Zhao’s style is nevertheless unquestionable.