Calligraphy “Enlightenment Cry” katsu 喝 | Asahina Sōgen 朝比奈宗源 signed 圓覚別峰 | 1881-1979

Katsu, which is referred to here as "enlightenment cry", is an important physical element in Zen meditation. A spontaneous, loud cry should help the meditator to concentrate - a lightning-like muscle contraction of the lungs and an acoustic shock should create a spiritual sense of presence that is so important for meditation. This technique came to Japan with the Rinzai school in the 12th century. The patriarch of this sect, Linji Yixuan (Japanese Rinzai Gigen), is usually depicted in this state of ecstatic crying (see image quote).

In Japan, katsu spread to many other areas in the form of kakegoe; this shouting technique is also known in most budō disciplines such as kendo or kempō, etc. In Nō theatre, such shouts were even incorporated into the musical texture and are essential for achieving the highest level of concentration. 

Asahina Sōgen was a respected priest of the Rinzai school. He was an influential author and is famous as a calligrapher. He chose a brush for this character that appears bristly in the stroke, so as not to give the impression of false suppleness, because the practice and expression of katsu is close to the animalistic, uncivilized. Elegance and virtuoso flair can only be discovered in this calligraphy in the small accompanying characters of the signature with his priestly name圓覚別峰Enkaku Beppō on the left.

The mount is made of paper (which Zen monks value more than silk anyway), but its quality will elicit an expression of delight from any connoisseur of mounts. It is original and could not be redesigned today. And it doesn't need to be, because it is in first-class condition.