Kasumi Bunsho (1905–1998)
"Calligraphy"

Ink on paper
Size: 11 x 38 ½ (12 x 65 ½ overall)
Mounting: Green raw silk
Click here to view complete mounting

Translation:

GO HAVE TEA!

Box signed by Kasumi Bunsho

 

This is one of the most well known Zen koans. A monk visited the Chinese Zen Master Joshu, and Joshu asked him, “Have you been here before?” The monk replied, “Yes, I have.” Joshu said, “Go (in and) have tea.” A second monk appeared and Joshu asked him the same question. This monk said, “No this is my first visit.” Joshu told him, “Go (in and) have tea.” Later the head monk asked Joshu, “Why did you say the same thing to both monks?” Joshu said, “Head monk! Go (in and) have tea!”

This three-character phrase—Kissako in Japanese—is a theme often used in Zen art. It has a variety of interpretations: “Do not discriminate!”, “Live right now!” or "This is it!"

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