Zen Buddhism and Art in Japan

Zen Buddhism: Detail of Jurojin-portrait-by-Sesson

The National Asian Art Museum’s medieval Zen collections are currently on show at the Freer Gallery in an exhibition that brings together works from Japan and China to illustrate the visual, spiritual, and philosophical power of Zen in Japan. Chan… Continue reading

Nagasawa Rosetsu and The Tiger

Tiger (1786) by Nagasawa Rosetsu (1754-1799), detail from a set of six sliding door panels, ink on paper, Muryo-ji, Kushimoto. Important Cultural Property

For eight weeks, Japan’s most famous tiger is on show in Zurich in an exhibition entitled Ferocious Brush. Nagasawa Rosetsu painted the tiger image in the 18th century and the legend states that Nagasawa Rosetsu (1754–1799) painted this monumental tiger… Continue reading

Kenninji Temple: The Roots of Zen in Japan

Kenninji Temple, the Roots of Zen in Japan, Oxherd Playing a Flute by Nagasawa Tosetsu, Edo period, 18th century, Kyushoin, Kyoto

RATHER-LESS VISTED by foreign tourists than other major sites, Kenninji Temple is well-known for being the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, even though it has been much re-built from time to time throughout its history. The temple was founded in… Continue reading