The Way, 1669
Gaoquan Xingdun 高泉性潡 (Jp. Kōsen Shōton, 1633-
1695)
Japan, Edo period (1615-1868)
Hanging scroll, ink on paper
26.3 cm x 60 cm, 114.5 cm x 63.5 cm (mounted)
Collection of Harald Conrad
道▢有道之士為 国宝乙酉春
The Way
For the men of the way,
A national treasure in the spring of tsuchino-tori (1669).
—trans. Harald Conrad
Kōsen was installed as abbot of the Manpukuji sub-temple Hōenin 法苑院 on the
nineteenth day of the fourth month of 1669. It is likely that Kōsen brushed this calligraphy to commemorate this auspicious event, known as “opening the temple.”