Advice on Chan Teachings

CHINA; Southern Song dynasty

This scroll, consisting of 11 lines with five characters each, is written by Master Xutang Zhiyu when he was nearly 80 years old. It was scripted for his Japanese disciple, Master Musho Josho, who was known in China as Chan Master Wuxiang Jingzhao. The piece states that in addition to dedication and the ability to overcome obstacles, one must strictly adhere to the right path, and not be impeded by trivialities or worries. This work was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1952.
Written predominantly in running script, intermixed with regular, the calligraphy displays rather decorative strokes, evident in certain characters within the text. This combination of writing styles results in a unique and individualistic work of calligraphy. Rapid brushstrokes confer a continuous flow to the entire piece, exhibiting great creativity and style.
Xutang Zhiyu, who had an original family name of Chen, was a Chan Master from the Yangqi branch of the Linji school. Xutang’s calligraphic works became immensely popular in Japan, particularly among those who practiced the Japanese tea ceremony and appreciated such unique works of calligraphy as this.