Attributed to Sengai Gibon (Japanese, 1750-1837), Calligraphy

Hanging scroll, ink on paper, a bold painting of calligraphy, the expressive brush work has both an energy and a quiet elegance, artist's signature to left side, wooden rollers.

DOA 47 x 8 in., Image size 29 x 5 3/4 in.

Private Collection, Florida

Sengai Gibon was a Japanese Zen monk and artist of the Rinzai school, celebrated for his accessible teachings and playful and simplistic ink paintings. Born into a farming family, he entered a monastery at age 11 and studied under the Zen master Gessen Zenne. After years of wandering, he became the 123rd abbot of Shofuku-ji in Fukuoka at 39, revitalizing the temple and making it a vibrant center of Zen practice. Despite his recognition, Sengai declined the honor of the purple robe, a symbol of high rank in the Rinzai sect, expressing disdain for worldly titles. He spent his later years at a sub temple within the complex, where he continued to teach and paint, leaving a lasting legacy as a beloved Zen master and artist .

Overall even toning to paper; some horizontal creases with cracking to paper.