19th century

Screen

Artist/maker unknown

The seven woodblock prints on this screen each consist of a Chinese character formed to look like a Buddhist figure. Together, the characters read: Tose insim ip’yònja (It is important that people live in this world with affection for others in their hearts). Various objects are also included, such as an incense burner, an alms bowl, a gourd, a staff, and a Korean mokt’ak (wooden bell).

Numerous variations of ornamental styles of calligraphy have flourished in China, Japan, and Korea throughout the ages. Often ornamental scripts merge Chinese characters with painterly representations of flora, fauna, or human figures.