Confucian virtue kō 孝 | Tejima Toan 手島楮庵 | 1718–1786 (written in 1786)

This 18th-century calligraphy is in excellent condition and mounted in a very simple yet elegant manner. Its author is an important representative of the so-called Shingaku Philosophy, which began with Ishida Baigan (1685–1744) and was further developed by Tejima Toan.

This philosophy combined Confucianism with Zen and Shinto and ultimately formed the ideological foundation of Japan`s industrialization. In this calligraphy, we can clearly recognize such a mindset. The character kō (孝) originates from Confucianism and denotes respect for one’s parents, which is ultimately a cornerstone of the ancient hierarchical social order; adherence to this principle has had—and continues to have—a significant influence on the vigorous development of the Japanese economy. No Zen priest would write this character, but if he were to paint a similar one, he would certainly do so in the manner in which Tejima Toan wrote it here in the year of his death. It expresses an enlightened composure, conviction in its conciseness, and is full of the energy that should be present in respect that is both lived and felt.