Set aus sieben signierten Shikishi-Kalligraphieplatten - Papier - Keiun Takashima (高嶋 谿雲, d. 2004) - Heisei Zeit (1989-heute)

Description
A distinctive set of seven shikishi calligraphy works by Keiun Takashima, combining powerful brushwork with Buddhist, Zen, and classical philosophical expressions.

One of the most fascinating features of this group is its sequence of dates. The works are inscribed and postmarked on three remarkable dates in the Japanese Heisei era:

Heisei 7, July 7 — 7/7/7 (July 7, 1995)
Heisei 8, August 8 — 8/8/8 (August 8, 1996)
Heisei 9, September 9 — 9/9/9 (September 9, 1997)

These repeated-number dates have particularly evocative associations in Japanese culture. July 7 is Tanabata, traditionally connected with wishes and aspirations. The number eight is regarded as auspicious in Japan because its written form 八 widens toward the base, suggesting suehirogari — increasing prosperity and expansion toward the future. September 9 is Chōyō no Sekku, the Chrysanthemum Festival, traditionally associated with longevity, health, and auspiciousness.

Each board also bears a Japanese postage stamp with a postal cancellation corresponding to its date, giving the group an unusual documentary as well as visual character.

The seven inscriptions are:

不惜身命 — Fushaku Shinmyō
“To spare neither body nor life.”
A Buddhist expression found in the Lotus Sutra, expressing complete devotion to the Buddhist path and the determination to pursue truth without concern for personal sacrifice.

自浄其意 — Jijō Goi
“To purify one’s own mind.”
Part of the celebrated Buddhist verse known as the Seven Buddhas’ Common Admonition: avoid evil, practice good, and purify one’s mind. It expresses one of the most fundamental principles of Buddhist practice.

我心如秤 — Ga Shin Nyo Jō
“My mind is like a balance.”
A classical Chinese expression describing a mind that judges without favoritism, like a perfectly balanced scale. It represents fairness, impartiality, and an unwavering inner standard.

如是我聞 — Nyoze Gamon
“Thus have I heard.”
The traditional opening words of many Buddhist sutras. The phrase evokes the transmission of the Buddha’s teachings from teacher to listener and from one generation to the next.

正法眼蔵 — Shōbō Genzō
“Treasury of the True Dharma Eye.”
A major Zen Buddhist expression referring to the essential truth of the Buddha’s teaching and the insight through which that truth is directly perceived. It is also famously associated with Zen master Dōgen.

聞聲悟道 — Monshō Godō
“To hear a sound and awaken to the Way.”
A Zen expression describing the moment when an ordinary sound becomes the catalyst for spiritual awakening. It reflects the Zen understanding that enlightenment may arise directly through immediate experience.

気宇融和 — Kiu Yūwa
“A broad spirit in harmony.”
An expression evoking generosity of mind, openness, and harmonious accord — a fitting conclusion to a group concerned with spiritual discipline, insight, and inner balance.

Viewed together, the seven works form more than a collection of individual phrases. They suggest a progression from devotion and purification, through impartiality and the reception of Buddhist teaching, toward insight, awakening, and harmony.

Takashima’s vigorous black-ink brushwork gives each phrase a strong individual presence, while the repeated dates, signatures, red seals, and contemporary postal cancellations create a remarkable sense of unity across the entire set.

Dimensions
Each: 27.2 × 24.2 cm

Condition
Age-related staining is present.
Please examine the photographs carefully for the overall condition and individual details of each work.

Artist Profile
Keiun Takashima was an avant-garde Japanese calligrapher. At the time of his death in 2004, he was a judging member of the Mainichi Shodo Exhibition.

Additional Notes
Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description.

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