“无事之人即高贵之人”——妙心寺住持亲笔书写的气势磅礴的禅宗书法作品 - 纸 - 梶浦逸外 Kajuira Itsugai (1896–1981) - 日本 - 1900–2000

Item Description
梶浦逸外 Kajuira Itsugai (1896–1981) — Buji Kore Kinin ("A Person of No Affairs is a Noble Person")
This powerful hanging scroll presents the celebrated Zen phrase 無事是貴人 (Buji Kore Kinin) — "A Person of No Affairs is a Noble Person" — rendered in dynamic, free-flowing sōsho (grass script) calligraphy by Kajuira Itsugai, former Head Abbot (Kancho) of Myoshinji, one of the most prestigious temples of the Rinzai Zen sect. The bold, sweeping brushwork fills the full length of the scroll with extraordinary vitality, each character executed with the fearless confidence of a master calligrapher and Zen master.
The phrase originates from the teachings of Rinzai Gigen (Linji Yixuan), the founder of the Rinzai school, and is one of the most beloved Zen sayings: it teaches that the highest human ideal is to live without needless distraction or agitation — to be fully present and at peace. In tea ceremony culture (chado), this phrase is particularly cherished as a scroll for the tokonoma alcove, conveying a spirit of serene contentment.
The scroll is mounted in elegant gold-patterned silk brocade, with ivory-and-gold accent borders framing the writing paper. Two red seals are impressed beside the calligrapher's signature, authenticating the work. The scroll is accompanied by its original tomobako (artist-inscribed wooden storage box), with the title 無事是貴人 written on the lid and the artist's name 妙心逸外 inscribed on the side — adding significant provenance value.

Size
Height: 225 cm
Width: 42 cm

Weight
500 g

Condition
The calligraphy and mounting are in very good condition with no significant damage; the reverse side of the paper shows minor age-related discoloration consistent with the work's age, and the overall presentation remains clean and display-ready.

Artist Profile
梶浦逸外 Kajuira Itsugai (1896–1981) was one of the most eminent Rinzai Zen monks of 20th-century Japan. Born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, he graduated from Rinzai University (now Hanazono University) and devoted his life to rigorous Zen training and teaching. In 1944 he became the head priest of Shogenji Temple in Gifu Prefecture — one of the Rinzai sect's foremost training monasteries — and in 1969 was appointed the Head Abbot (Kancho) of Myoshinji, the largest head temple of the Rinzai sect, overseeing some 3,350 affiliated temples across Japan. He founded Shogen Junior College and worked tirelessly to spread Zen practice internationally. His calligraphy, steeped in the spirit of Zen, is highly prized by collectors of Japanese art and tea ceremony implements. He died in 1981 at the age of 86.

NOTICE:

The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

I appreciate your cooperation.