No Hindrance in the Mind

JAPAN; Meiji period

Quoted from the Heart Sutra, “no hindrance in the mind” refers to the concept that once all obstacles are overcome and removed from the mind, then one may think more clearly and at ease, thus becoming one step closer to full liberation from worldly suffering.
This seal is comprised of four symmetrically balanced characters composed within a tight composition. Characters for “xin” (mind) and “wu” (no) appear on the right side and consist of few strokes carved in thick and heavy lines, while “gua” and “ai” (together meaning “hindrance”) are made up of multiple strokes in thin, forceful lines. Sharp knife cuts clearly depict the twists and turns of each character stroke. The seal as a whole seems lively without appearing rigid and exudes an imposing, open, and eccentric style.
Yamada Kanzan was an artist from Nagoya, Japan. He was keen on calligraphy, painting, poetry, pottery, and in particular, seal engraving. Renounced to become a monk at the age of 12, he returned to secular life after a few years.