This shikishi from 1997 features a stunning handwritten transcription of the Heart Sutra (般若心経, Hannya Shingyō) one of the most revered and recited texts in Mahayana Buddhism. Rendered in delicate yet confident brushwork, the calligraphy demonstrates remarkable clarity and spiritual depth.
What makes this piece particularly special is that it was penned by Yamane Kinryū (山根金龍) at the venerable age of 96. His brushwork conveys both the wisdom of age and a lifetime of spiritual devotion, embodying the sutra’s central theme of transcending illusion and attaining inner peace.
The flowing vertical script captures the timeless power of this sacred text, beginning with the invocation “The Buddha Speaks the Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (佛説摩訶般若波羅蜜多心經)” and continuing through the famous lines spoken by the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara.
A red seal (hanko) and the date inscription complete this masterwork of meditative calligraphy, making it not only a spiritual artifact but also a testament to enduring artistic skill and devotion.
Ideal for collectors of Buddhist art, calligraphy enthusiasts, or those seeking a piece imbued with peace, mindfulness, and the legacy of a seasoned practitioner.
