Insert in the Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Yuanwu

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

Included as an insert in the 1298 edition of the Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Yuanwu, this is one of the oldest figurative woodblock prints from China. It was printed from a block carved by Punan, a monk from Huayan Temple in Sizhou (present day Sinan, Guizhou). The sayings of Master Yuanwu were compiled in a 20-fascicle set of books in 1133, two years prior to his death. One of the recorders of the sayings, Huqiu Shaolong, is depicted in this image.
Master Yuanwu is seated in a chair in the center of the picture. The Master has his feet placed on a small stool below him and holds a whisk with both hands. He is flanked by his disciples, Huqiu Shaolong on the left and Dahui Zonggao on the right. The woodblock is skillfully carved with smooth lines. Each of the figures has a distinct expression, and the folds and patterns on their robes are finely detailed.