Vintage Hanging Scroll, Kakejiku, Muroji Temple, Ajiro Chitou, Zen, Tsuki wo Mite Seisho ni Fusu, Handwriting,
The calligraphy bears the artist’s signature and seals and comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box).
The phrase “Tsuki wo mite Seisho ni fusu (観月臥青松)” comes from 孤雲無定處 本自愛高峰 不知人里日 観月臥青松.
The literal meaning is “Looking at the moon, lying beneath a green pine.”
The passage can be read as expressing a Zen monk’s wish for a life apart from worldly concerns: “An isolated cloud in the sky has no fixed home. Clouds naturally love high peaks. I wish to lie beneath a green pine while looking at the moon, apart from secular life.”
It was written by priest Ajiro Chitou.
Ajiro Chitou (1922-2014) was born in Fukushima Prefecture in 1922. After graduating from Taisho University, he served as an administrator at Muroji Temple in 1948.
He became secretary of the Hasedera Temple Priest School in 1949.
He was appointed as the head priest of Rengeji Temple in 1960.
After working for the Ministry of Education’s Administration Bureau, he became a lecturer at Kanazawa University in 1962.
He became a general affairs manager at the National Museum of Nature and Science in 1964.
He was appointed as the deputy head priest of Muroji Temple in 1987.
He served as the head priest of Muroji Temple and the head of the Muroji Temple school from 1989 to 2013.
He died on January 15, 2014.
He was also known for graceful and powerful calligraphy and for selecting meaningful Zen phrases.
Muroji Temple is the head temple of the Muroji school of Shingon Buddhism.
Historically, women were prohibited from entering Mt. Koya until 1905, while Muroji Temple welcomed female worshippers and became known as “Nyonin Koya” (Koya for women).
Measurement
Mounting (Width x Length): 33.5cm X 148cm / Approx. 13 3/16″ X 58 17/64″
Drawing (Width x Length): 30.3cm X 66.8cm / Approx. 11 59/64″ X 26 19/64”
Weight: 313g
Gross Weight incl. box: 649g
Material
Mounting: Silk
Ichimonji: Silk with metallic threads
Surface: Washi paper
Roller Ends: Wood
Other Details
Box: Tomobako (original signed paulownia box)
Maker: Ajiro Chitou
Age: 1989 – 2013
Region of Origin: Japan
Original / Reproduction: Vintage Original
Condition: Very good vintage condition consistent with age. (Lightly used)
* Folding creases.
* Almost no discoloration due to age.
* Very good vintage condition on the mounting.
* No visible spots or stains on the mounting.
* Very good vintage condition on the surface.
* Areas of rubbed sumi ink and lines are visible on the surface. (Refer to No. 4 photo)
* Natural washi paper fibers are visible on the surface.
* Very good vintage condition on the back surface.
* One mark on the back surface. (Refer to No. 8 photo)
* Minor scratches and fraying on the back surface.
* Minor scratches on the roller ends.
* Minor discoloration on the wooden box.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
