Kakejiku Wa Kei Sei Jaku

This hanging scroll is a hand-painted by master Kobayashi Taigen zen monk serving in Ōbai-in, Daitokuji temple in Kyoto. Daitokuji is the temple complex where Sen no Rikyu himself also studied and lived.

The hand-painted calligraphy says "Wa Kei Sei Jaku" (和敬清寂) which is a classical Japanese expression deeply rooted in the Japanese tea ceremony and Zen philosophy.

The phrase translates as Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility and is closely associated with Sen no Rikyū, the most influential tea master in Japanese history. The phrase represents the ideal mindset and atmosphere of a tea ceremony: calm, respectful, and mindful.
和 (wa) – Harmony: being in sync with nature, your surroundings, and creating a peaceful, comfortable space.
敬 (kei) – Respect: for people, objects, and the moment.
清 (sei) – Purity: having a clear, focused mind.
寂 (jaku) – Tranquility: quietness or inner peace

The calligraphy is painted on paper and framed by three kinds of fabrics: simple, blank cotton, and two kinds of embroidered silk: "Kibune" and "Takeyamachi damask". "Takeyamachi Jikindan", the golden embroidered silk which directly frames the calligraphy got its name from Takeya street, famous for its fascinating, arabesque pattern fabrics in Kyoto since the Muromachi era.

The scroll comes in a paulownia wooden box signed by the master.

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