Curated Stillness

Semi-Cursive Script

Master Kukai: Feng Xin Tie (First Letter)

Master Kukai sailed to China aboard a vessel ferrying the entourage of the ambassador of Tang Dynasty. His calligraphy can be characterized by three different phases, namely before and during his stay in China under the rule of Tang Dynasty, and after his return to Japan. “Feng Xin Tie” (transliterated as ‘Letters’) refers to the three letters in combination he wrote to Master Zui Cheng (known as Master Saicho in Japanese). It was the most significant calligraphy work by Master Kukai after his return to Japan in his 40s. The tablet displayed here features the first letter of the three. All three letters exude the calligraphy style typical of Wang Xi Zhi. Master Kukai’s calligraphy oozes a distinctive flair in terms of brushstroke. It bears the calligraphy flavours of Jin and Tang dynasties.