Kendo
Artist
Tesshu Koho
(Japanese, 1836–1888)
Date19th Century
Mediumink on paper
Dimensions195.6 x 43.2 cm (77 x 17 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund
Object number2003.59
Label Text2004-01-30: KENDO
Artist and calligrapher: Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888)
Signed: Tesshu Koho sho (Brushed by Tesshu Koho pen names)
Hanging scroll; ink on paper.
Alexander H. Bullock Fund, 2003.59
The bold, dynamic flow of the calligraphy and subject of this hanging scroll reflects the spirit of the indomitable, late 19th century samurai Yamaoka Tesshu. The string of the kendo helmet swirls in a breeze created by a powerful attack, and the bamboo sword bristles with energy. The painting bears the challenging inscription:
"The secret of swordsmanship-the wind in the willows."
(Kenjutsu no tokui wa kaze no yanagi kana)
Tesshu weighed more than two hundred and forty pounds and was at least six feet tall. Training ceaselessly with both sword and spear he served as a high-ranking samurai and negotiator, first for the Tokugawa shogunate and later in support of Emperor Meiji.
Tesshu was convinced that the basis of true training in swordsmanship was "to forge the spirit" and therefore practiced Zen meditation and the solving of Zen riddles (koan) in order to gain a fearless "imperturbable mind." When Tesshu, at age forty-five, achieved enlightenment he described it in a poem as "the walls around me suddenly crumbled; like pure dew reflecting the world in crystal clarity, total awakening has now come." A prolific calligrapher, Tesshu also often stated, "If your mind is correct, the brush will be correct."On View
Not on view
