Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768)
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'Namu Jizô Ganshu Bosatsu'
11 x 55 cm
This calligraphy, perhaps dating from Hakuin' late seventies, is a mantra, naming the Bodhisattva Jizô and calling forth his powers, Jizô is the protector of children and also leads lost souls through hell. The calligraphy itself has a powerful, almost tortuous sense of movement, and shows Hakuin's wonderful mastery of the use of ink in his later years.