A kakemono (hanging scroll) with ichi

Ink and mixed media on paper

Signed and dated: Koku 1989

Japan 20th century

Dimensions:

Scroll: H. 96.5cm x W. 72cm (38" x 28½")

Painting: H. 59.5cm x W. 64.5cm (23½" x 25½")

The wood box inscribed:

Lid: ichi

Lid interior: Suda Kokuta saku (made by Suda Kokuta)

Seal: Misaki

The character Ichi, a simple horizontal line which means “One”, is one of the most popular subjects of Japanese calligraphy. The expression “ichi-go ichi-e” (one time one chance) often associated with tea ceremony refers to the notion that every meeting with someone is unique and cannot happen again, it will never be the same twice. The idea being that life is transient, nothing is permanent, encourages us to be fully present in every moment. This is the essence of both the Way of Tea and Buddhism.