Japanese Silk Scroll

Big ink circle with a gourd-shaped waist and calligraphy crowding its edge.

This japanese scroll depicting the Jikkai or ten precepts mandala is from Japan. It is paint on paper & silk. A mandala is a diagram of a sacred realm used in Buddhist teaching and practice, usually arranged around a central figure or principle. Hanging scroll in warm tan mounting with broad, speckled borders. At the center, one brushed loop forms a gourd shape beside columns of black characters and a small red seal. Rod ends and soft age toning show. It is 18 inches wide and 44.5 high.

One breath, one brushstroke, and no second takes.