Self Revealed (徳露)Two Character Calligraphy by Tetsugyu and Yamaoka Tesshu

[Iaido dude]

Here are two works from my collection by Zen masters of two different sects, brushed several centuries apart. It is a testament to the direct transmission of the Zen mind from master to disciple through the generations that preserves the powerful expression of Buddha-nature in the practice of calligraphy.

 

Tetsugyu (1628-1700). Chinese Obaku sect Zen master who studied with Teishu, Ryukei, Ingen, Mokuan, and Sokuhi. The last three were leading Zen masters who were also noted calligraphers of his time. The two characters of this bold and dynamic calligraphy in cursive script can mean 'solitary dew,' but they are part of the Zen phrase 'Self revealed among the myriad of things,' representing the state of enlightenment. According to Buddhist belief, the life of an individual is no more than a solitary drop of dew, but within this impermanence exists the inherent Buddha-nature, which needs only to be awakened and brought forth. 

 

 

 

Yamaoka Tesshu (山岡 鉄舟), 1836-1888. This is his version of "Self Revealed" brushed two centuries after Tetsugyu with an idiosyncratic albeit consistent zukushi-ji style.

 

[jawob]

The Tetsugyu is stunning. Master brushwork .You have a great collection!

[Katsujinken]

Incredible! Thanks for sharing.

[SteveM]

Top one I think is 独露 (same meaning). 徳 seems like a typo. (In Japanese, the phrase is 万象之中独露身)

 

The bottom one, I'm not sure of, but it doesn't seem like 独露. I'll wrestle with it a bit. Maybe someone can confirm or deny while I'm chewing on it. 

[Iaido dude]

My pleasure, gentlemen. The Tetsugyu is a museum-quality masterpiece previously in the Genshin Collection, published in "The Art of Zen" by Stephen Addiss. It pretty much dominates a room filled with other masterpieces. The translation is given as "Self Revealed," but the kanji is not provided by Prof. Addiss. I just acquired the Yamaoka Tesshu, but without translation. My wife thought the kanji might be 徳露 and with resemblance in meaning to Tetsugyu's work. The strength of the calligraphy in and of itself sealed the deal for me. A bargain at JPY 3,300.

 

However, it does appear that they are not the same. The top character of Tetsugyu's work appears to be the corresponding character of the first character on the right of Yamaoka's (reading right to left). The second characters don't seem to be identical, but I find it hard to interpret these very idiosyncratic styles.

 

[SteveM]

I think its a great collection, too.

And apologies for always zooming in on the kanji, but I do love the challenge of deciphering these - even though my success rate is probably 50/50. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Thinking about the meanings contained within the second character 露 Tsuyu/Ro, I came across this.

It suggests a common theme to me through jade, green tea, dew drops, ambrosia, purity, the soul, the Buddha nature, all at the same time.

[Iaido dude]

I like the image of jewel-like dew drops.

[Iaido dude]

Here is another calligraphy of the character for "Dew 露" by Masamichi Yoshida (Kaijuan), head priest of the Kencho-ji School.