Characters - Tea Meditation

KOREA; Joseon dynasty

This calligraphy was written by Kim Jeonghui for his good friend, Chan Master Caoyi Yixun, who had sent him a gift of tea leaves. The scroll is comprised of two Chinese words, “ming” (tea) and “Chan” (meditation). Together, the two words imply entering into deep meditation with the addition of tea to invoke a sense of radiance and beauty.
Kim Jeonghui felt strongly that any person who was interested in calligraphy should learn and understand clerical script. The characters of this scroll are written in flat, straight strokes that appear simple and bold without fanciful curves or endings. The overall composition creates an intriguing and forceful work of art.
Kim Jeonghui, also known as Wonchun or Chusa, was a calligrapher, painter, seal engraver, and poet. His style, known as Chusa style, is considered vigorous and energetic.