Farewell Verse of Master Qingzhuo

JAPAN; Nanbokucho period

A farewell note to his disciples, this grand and sweeping verse was written by Chan Master Qingzhuo Zhengcheng before his passing at the age of 66. In 1952, the work was listed as a National Treasure of Japan.
Influences from Huang Tingjian are apparent in the character form, but Master Qingzhuo’s personal style shines through in the rounded brushstrokes and well-spaced composition. Abandoning attention to detail in favor of spontaneity and free expression, this work is deemed a rare masterpiece.
Qingzhuo Zhengcheng was a Linji school Chan Master of the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). Originally from Fuzhou (present day Fujian), at the age of 53 he was invited to Japan, where he would become known as Seisetsu Shocho. Master Qingzhuo passed away in 1339, and was honored posthumously as Zen Master Daikan. The founder of the Daikan branch, he deeply influenced Japanese Buddhism by introducing Zen cultivation and practices to the country.