Wall decoration - Japan - Zen Calligraphy Scroll

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Zhu Chen
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Estimate  € 120 - € 170
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A pristine hand-painted Japanese hanging scroll (Kakejiku) by Nanen Suzuki (1905–1983) in paper, dating to roughly the 1950s–1960s, measuring 130 cm by 45 cm with a 1 cm depth, originating from Japan and titled Zen Calligraphy Scroll, in unused condition with its original box.

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Description from the seller

[Summary]
Transform your living space with the serene elegance of traditional Japanese aesthetics. This is a pristine, hand-painted Japanese hanging scroll (Kakejiku) by the renowned master Nanen Suzuki (1905–1983). Designed for those who appreciate the beauty of "Wabi-sabi" and minimalist interior design, this piece acts as a meditative focal point for any modern home.

A former juror for the Nitten (Japan's most prestigious art exhibition), Suzuki was a leading figure in 20th-century Japanese calligraphy. This work is a "Shin-shitsu" (authentic original autograph) and remains in unused, mint condition, reflecting the highest quality of preservation.

[Artistic Highlights: The Beauty of the Brushwork]
What makes this piece truly exceptional is the artist’s mastery of "Chirashi-gaki"—the traditional art of asymmetric spatial arrangement.

Fluidity of Lines: The brushstrokes flow like a gentle stream, mirroring the "ebb and flow" of the tides at Wakanoura described in the poem. The transition from thick, ink-rich characters to delicate, hair-thin lines creates a rhythmic visual melody.

The Power of Blank Space (Ma): The deliberate use of empty space is not merely "empty"; it represents the vastness of the sea and sky, allowing the viewer's imagination to wander through the coastal landscape of ancient Japan.

Elegant Composition: Notice how the characters seem to dance across the paper, a style for which Nanen Suzuki was celebrated. This balance between the black ink and the white paper embodies the Zen aesthetic of "less is more."

[Artistic Content & Origin]
The scroll features a celebrated poem by Yamabe no Akahito from the Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest poetry anthology (8th century).

Poem: "Waka no ura ni / Shio michi kureba / Kata wo nami / Ashibe wo sashite / Tazu naki wataru".

Meaning: At Waka-no-ura bay, as the tide rises and the flats disappear, the cranes cry out as they fly toward the reedy shore.
This poem captures a quintessential Japanese aesthetic: the harmonious yet fleeting beauty of nature. As the tide transforms the landscape, the crying cranes symbolize a deep longing and the elegance of a moment that will never return. In Japanese culture, this scene represents "Mono no aware"—a pathos for the transience of things. Nanen Suzuki’s flowing Kana calligraphy perfectly mirrors the movement of the water and the grace of the birds, making this scroll not just a piece of writing, but a meditative gateway to 8th-century Japan.

The mounting is professionally finished by Suishodo, a high-end calligraphy specialty shop in Tokyo, which is a hallmark of quality for collectors.


[Dimensions]

Total Size: 128 cm (Height) x 45 cm (Width)

Width including scroll ends (Jikusaki): Approximately 50 cm

[Weight]

Weight: 500 g

[Condition]

Condition: Pristine / Unused. The paper and silk mounting are in excellent condition with no visible spots or damage.

Accessories: Comes with the original retailer's paper box (cosmetic box) with the artist's identification label.

[Shipping Method]
Due to the length and delicate nature of the scroll, the item will be carefully packed in a protective tube or reinforced carton and shipped via EMS, DHL, or FedEx (with tracking and insurance). Please note that while the weight is light, the shipping cost is calculated based on the dimensional weight due to its length.

Customs and Taxes: Import duties, taxes (VAT), and charges are the buyer's responsibility.


[Summary]
Transform your living space with the serene elegance of traditional Japanese aesthetics. This is a pristine, hand-painted Japanese hanging scroll (Kakejiku) by the renowned master Nanen Suzuki (1905–1983). Designed for those who appreciate the beauty of "Wabi-sabi" and minimalist interior design, this piece acts as a meditative focal point for any modern home.

A former juror for the Nitten (Japan's most prestigious art exhibition), Suzuki was a leading figure in 20th-century Japanese calligraphy. This work is a "Shin-shitsu" (authentic original autograph) and remains in unused, mint condition, reflecting the highest quality of preservation.

[Artistic Highlights: The Beauty of the Brushwork]
What makes this piece truly exceptional is the artist’s mastery of "Chirashi-gaki"—the traditional art of asymmetric spatial arrangement.

Fluidity of Lines: The brushstrokes flow like a gentle stream, mirroring the "ebb and flow" of the tides at Wakanoura described in the poem. The transition from thick, ink-rich characters to delicate, hair-thin lines creates a rhythmic visual melody.

The Power of Blank Space (Ma): The deliberate use of empty space is not merely "empty"; it represents the vastness of the sea and sky, allowing the viewer's imagination to wander through the coastal landscape of ancient Japan.

Elegant Composition: Notice how the characters seem to dance across the paper, a style for which Nanen Suzuki was celebrated. This balance between the black ink and the white paper embodies the Zen aesthetic of "less is more."

[Artistic Content & Origin]
The scroll features a celebrated poem by Yamabe no Akahito from the Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest poetry anthology (8th century).

Poem: "Waka no ura ni / Shio michi kureba / Kata wo nami / Ashibe wo sashite / Tazu naki wataru".

Meaning: At Waka-no-ura bay, as the tide rises and the flats disappear, the cranes cry out as they fly toward the reedy shore.
This poem captures a quintessential Japanese aesthetic: the harmonious yet fleeting beauty of nature. As the tide transforms the landscape, the crying cranes symbolize a deep longing and the elegance of a moment that will never return. In Japanese culture, this scene represents "Mono no aware"—a pathos for the transience of things. Nanen Suzuki’s flowing Kana calligraphy perfectly mirrors the movement of the water and the grace of the birds, making this scroll not just a piece of writing, but a meditative gateway to 8th-century Japan.

The mounting is professionally finished by Suishodo, a high-end calligraphy specialty shop in Tokyo, which is a hallmark of quality for collectors.


[Dimensions]

Total Size: 128 cm (Height) x 45 cm (Width)

Width including scroll ends (Jikusaki): Approximately 50 cm

[Weight]

Weight: 500 g

[Condition]

Condition: Pristine / Unused. The paper and silk mounting are in excellent condition with no visible spots or damage.

Accessories: Comes with the original retailer's paper box (cosmetic box) with the artist's identification label.

[Shipping Method]
Due to the length and delicate nature of the scroll, the item will be carefully packed in a protective tube or reinforced carton and shipped via EMS, DHL, or FedEx (with tracking and insurance). Please note that while the weight is light, the shipping cost is calculated based on the dimensional weight due to its length.

Customs and Taxes: Import duties, taxes (VAT), and charges are the buyer's responsibility.


Details

Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Zen Calligraphy Scroll
Number of objects
1
Material
Paper
Designer/artist/maker
Nanen Suzuki (1905–1983) was a renowned Japanese calligrapher.
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
As new - unused
Height
130 cm
Width
45 cm
Depth
1 cm
Estimated period
1950-1960, 1960-1970
JapanVerified
169
Objects sold
100%
protop

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