Living Spirit Seirei Zen Calligraphy Scroll Japanese Hanging Kakejiku with Breath of Life Motif Meditation Art #416

Living Spirit (Seirei 生靈)
after Essen 越仙
Japanese hanging scroll (kakejiku), reproduction of an Edo–Meiji Zen painting
Dimensions: 34 × 107 cm
Medium: printed ink on washi paper, mounted on gold kinran brocade

This hanging scroll presents the Zen calligraphy “Seirei” (生靈), meaning “Living Spirit” — a classical phrase referring to the soul or vital breath that animates all beings. The composition, attributed to the monk-artist Essen (越仙), was originally painted in the late Edo to early Meiji period and later reproduced as a fine art print. The flowing gray line evokes the breath of life emerging into the world, while the brush inscription expresses stillness and awareness of inner energy (ki).

Essen belonged to the Zen artistic circle associated with the Ōbaku tradition, where calligraphy and painting were treated as extensions of meditation. The balanced yet lively script (between gyōsho and sōsho styles) shows controlled spontaneity typical of Edo-period zenga masters such as Hakuin and Sengai.

This edition is a modern reproduction, printed on handmade washi and mounted in a new gold brocade frame (kinran). The work combines spiritual depth and aesthetic simplicity — suitable for contemplation, minimalist interior design, or as a serene accent in a meditation space.

Condition: very good, clean surface, no folds or stains, modern mounting.
Level of attribution: probable reproduction after Essen (late Edo–Meiji original).
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