Diamond Sutra

CHINA; Ming dynasty

The Diamond Sutra is a scripture that explores the teachings of non-abiding and non-attachment in concern to one’s clinging to a false self. It illustrates the ultimate truth as a form of wisdom embodied in the emptiness of all phenomena. This sutra has been widely lectured throughout history, and it was given particular emphasis since the time of Master Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of the Chan lineage. The sutra is bound as an accordion-fold book consisting of 13 pages with each page measuring 18.9 cm high by 21 cm wide. A total of 360 lines of characters fill the pages. At the end of the fold book, a colophon reads, “Calligraphy by Buddhist disciple Wen Zhenmeng, with deep reverence.”
This work, written in a refined style with elegant lines, contrasts significantly when viewed against the typical calligraphy of Wen’s great grandfather, Wen Zhengming, whose characters are condensed in form and composed with straight, rigorous strokes. Comparing both calligraphers’ works, Wen Zhengming may appear to be more accomplished than Wen Zhenmeng, yet the consistent and arduous writing on these long accordion folds is a remarkable feat of impressive quality.
Wen Zhenmeng was a poet, scholar, and important calligrapher during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Wen was also a devout and active Buddhist who, together with his intellectual peers, traveled about and coordinated the repossession of the temple base of Sheng’en Temple in Jiangsu.