Zenga “Mushin” — Meditating Monkey and Zen Calligraphy on Shikishi

This playful and contemplative shikishi painting captures a whimsical yet profound image from the world of Zen: a meditating monkey sitting in zazen posture, accompanied by the calligraphy 無心 (Mushin – “No-Mind”).

Drawn with flowing sumi ink, the monkey’s form is fluid and exaggerated — with elongated limbs, curled posture, and a focused expression. The figure humorously represents the "mind-monkey" (ensō no saru), a classical metaphor for the restless human mind in Zen Buddhism. Here, the monkey has found stillness — a visual koan that embodies the paradox of quieting thought through play.

Signed with the single kanji 花 (Hana – “flower”), likely the artist’s gō (art-name), and sealed with a matching red hanko, the work belongs to the Zenga tradition — spontaneous Zen ink art combining calligraphy and minimalism.

– Artist’s gō (art-name): 花 (Hana)
– Phrase: 無心 (Mushin – “without mind / no-mind”)
– Style: Zenga (禅画), Zen Buddhist ink painting
– Period: Showa era (ca. 1970–80s)
– Medium: Sumi ink on traditional shikishi board with gold border
– Size: approx. 24 × 27 cm
– Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido)

A rare and witty collector’s piece that speaks to both the philosophy and humor of Zen.


For US buyers: this item enters the United States duty-free.