Being Mindful of the Buddha is My Abode

JAPAN; Edo period

The title of this seal is a reference to the concept that one may feel as at ease as when they are at home when they always keep the Buddha in mind.
The four characters of this seal are laid out in accordance to their complexity. The characters “nian” and “fo,” which when combined refer to being mindful of the Buddha, are given equal amounts of space vertically down the right side of the square. On the other hand, the more simplistic character of “wu” (my) consists of fewer strokes and is thus allotted a smaller space within the frame. “Lu” (abode), being the most complicated character, rightfully comprises the largest space in the seal. To further enhance the harmony among the characters, extra stroke in the right radical of “fo” is deliberately added. Although this alters the character, and is in most cases considered a form of distortion, the impact is a rather positive one.
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Soshii was a well-known artist who studied under Ko Fuyo. In addition to art, Soshii was the author of several books, as well as the editor of Compilation of a Thousand Han Seal Script Characters, which was written by Ko Fuyo.