Hell

Attributed to Seigan Sōi Japanese

mid-17th century

Not on view

A scroll inscribed with the characters for “Hell” would have made viewers reflect on their conduct and the transience of worldly phenomena. This work is a striking example of the individualistic calligraphy favored in Rinzai Zen circles and among tea aesthetes. Seigan Sōi, whose explosive brushwork creates the impression of a blade cutting through the paper, was abbot of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto.

Artwork Details

清巌宗渭賛「地獄」
Title: Hell
Artist: Attributed to Seigan Sōi (Japanese, 1588–1661)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: mid-17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 12 x 35 1/2 in. (30.5 x 90.2 cm)
Classification: Calligraphy
Credit Line: Gift of Sylvan Barnet and William Burto, in honor of Setsu Isao, 2014
Object Number: 2014.719.11
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Seigan Sōi

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Line from a Poem by Li Bai, Seigan Sōi Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan — Line from a Poem by Li Bai
Seigan Sōi
early 17th century

Jizō Bosatsu Playing a Flute, Kano Tan'yū Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan — Jizō Bosatsu Playing a Flute
Kano Tan'yū
mid-17th century

Beauty of the Kanbun Era, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on paper, Japan — Beauty of the Kanbun Era
Japan
late 17th century

Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses, Kaihō Yūsetsu Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink on silk, Japan — Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses
Kaihō Yūsetsu
mid-17th century

White Plum Blossoms and Moon, Itō Jakuchū Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, Japan — White Plum Blossoms and Moon
Itō Jakuchū
1755

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