Buddha Heart

Nakano Eiken, 1933 - 2002

The monk Eiken here calligraphed the concept of the ‘Buddha heart’ or ‘Buddha mind’ in clear, open manner. The concept refers to the Buddha nature within all of us; the idea that enlightenment is potentially present in all beings. Form and content work together to convey the message as directly as possible. After all, Zen paintings are first and foremost teaching aids.

  • Artwork typehanging scroll
  • Object numberAK-MAK-1789
  • Dimensionsheight 133.7 cm x width 34.1 cm
  • Physical characteristicsinkt op papier

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Buddha Heart

  • Object type

  • Object number

    AK-MAK-1789

  • Inscriptions / marks

    inscription

Creation

  • Creation

    painter: Nakano Eiken

  • Dating

    1933 - 2002

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    inkt op papier

  • Dimensions

    height 133.7 cm x width 34.1 cm

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    On loan from the Royal Asian Art Society in The Netherlands (gift F. Hess, 2018)

  • Copyright

    Public domain

Documentation

  • Menno Fitski, 'Het geluid van kikkers. De passie van Felix Hess voor Japanse zenschilderkunst', Aziatische Kunst 50/3 (2020), pp. 69-81.

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