What is an Ensō? The Ensō
is one of the most prevalent images of Zen Art, and it has become a symbol of the
clean and strong Japanese aesthetic. The ensō
is an expression of the mind of the artist who brushes it. As a symbol, the circle expresses the totality of our being. The
circle points to the most vital aspect of our essence -- it's ultimate wholeness. The ensō symbolizes enlightenment,
power, and the universe itself. It is a direct expression of thusness or this-moment-as-it-is. Ensō is considered to be one of the most profound subjects in zenga
(Zen inspired painting). - Loori
The calligraphy of an Ensō can be profound, mysterious, poetic, and sometimes humorous.
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Drunken Enso by Honda Soho 1992 ~ Photo: Robyn Buntin of Honolulu
Drunken Ensō
brushed by Soho
Honda Soho Roshi spent many years of rigorous
training as a Soto Zen monk but he also enjoyed sake, “wisdom-water” as Japanese Buddhists euphemistically call
it. This was written spontaneously at a little country bar after Honda Roshi had been drinking happily with some friends.
He called for some ink and paper from the bar owner, and brushed the enso on the spot.
In Japanese, the inscription is “maruku
kokoro de kurashimasho.”
Translated means, 'Let's live fully with
all our hearts!'
Here the enso is both a tea bowl and a
sweet cake. This inscription, full of Zen good humor, is often found on enso paintings. The inscription reads, 'Swallow this
with a bowl of tea'. An enso has many profound meanings but on occasion it represents something more mundane but just as important.
“Taste Zen and enjoy its full flavor,” is one interpretation; another could be, “Experience Zen in
the here and now of everyday acts of life.”
~ Translator John Stevens
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My personal favorite Ensō by 'Zenga Master Painter'
Deiryu Kutsu 1895-1954
Bamboo Ensō
The calligraphy translates:
Leaf after leaf in the pure wind,
As I see you off at the gate, there are tall bamboo.
Just for you, their leaves are raising a pure wind.
Bamboo Enso by Deiryu Kutsu 1895-1954
Bamboo Ensō brushed by Dieryu
This Ensō is in the private collection of Rusty and Lia Rushton
The Zen thought behind this Enso is to become the bamboo and to forget you
are one with it while drawing it - this is the Zen of the bamboo, this is the moving with the 'rhythmic movement of the spirit'
which resides in the bamboo as well as in the artist himself. What is now required of him is to have a firm hold of the spirit
and yet not to be conscious of the fact. This is a very difficult task and has given expression to the phrase: "One in All
and All in One". When this is thoroughly understood, there is a creative genius".
~ Zen Scholar D. T. Suzuki
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Treasure from
my personal Ensō Collection
Potter Ensō
Shikishiban
Potter Enso ~ Nakazato Muan (1895-1985) ~ Photo: Robyn Buntin of Honolulu
Potter Enso Shikishiban
brushed by Nakazato Maun
about 1976
For his devoted efforts to promoting Karatsu-yaki, potter Nakazato Muan was
designated a Living National Treasure (when he was still alive of course). Living National Treasures in Japan are certain
individuals or groups who embodied intangible national cultural values as living human treasures, just as places or things
of great cultural value are designated as national treasures, thus becoming eligible for special protection and support. Some
of the ancient protected crafts are pottery, music, handmade paper, dolls, and swordmaking.
Maun was 12th master of the Nakazato Kiln in Karatsu. He was also ordained
a Zen priest in his mid-70s. The Potter Enso is signed Maun kao as translated by John Stevens. “Muan,” is his
monastic name so this enso comes from his later years, perhaps around the time of his reception of that great honor in 1976.
And,
I am honored to obtain, protect, and cherish it!
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Contemporary
Western Ensō by Carmel artist
Casey
Shannon below:
Brush Paintings currently offered for purchase. Media: Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor. Please email
me, if you are interested in a painting. If art is available, the PayPal purchase button will be added under the piece you are interested in purchasing. Please check in often because I will frequently update the Art Gallery pages with
new paintings. Purchasing Information and Policy
Original Enso sold through the secure service PayPal
Enso One is the winner of the Parent's Day competition at ImageKind!
Inside this image of Ensō One is painted a mother bird watching over her nest of babies
and eggs. And, protecting it as a pleased and proud parent. As does the Ensō, 'parents symbolize enlightenment and a
circle of protection'.
Enso One Art Print may be purchased from my Sumi Gallery at ImageKind.
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Image 8 x 8
Enso Spring
$300
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Image 7 x 10
Enso Snow
$200
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Image 7 x 10
Enso Willow
Bud
$100
These Enso images are available as Fine Art Reproductions
Fine Art Prints of these Enso
are available from my Enso Gallery at ImageKind
