Five-Character Calligraphy

Jifei Ruyi (Sokuhi Nyoitsu) Chinese

Not on view

This exuberantly brushed calligraphy embodies the energy of the cursive script of Jifei Ruyi, one of the three esteemed Ōbaku masters of calligraphy (Ōbaku sanpitsu). It represents a combination of firm control and swift execution. The cursively rendered phrase, about the female deity Mazu, reads:

慈愛見婆心
The nurturing love of the heart of an elderly woman
[Mazu] is revealed.

Five-Character Calligraphy, Jifei Ruyi (Sokuhi Nyoitsu) (Chinese, 1616–1671), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Five-Character Calligraphy, Jifei Ruyi (Sokuhi Nyoitsu) (Chinese, 1616–1671), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan
Five-Character Calligraphy, Jifei Ruyi (Sokuhi Nyoitsu) (Chinese, 1616–1671), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.