Reading a Sutra by Moonlight - Jifei Ruyi

A minimalist ink painting by the Obaku Zen monk Jifei Ruyi, depicting a solitary figure absorbed in reading a sutra.

This work by Jifei Ruyi, also known as Sokuhi Nyoitsu, captures a moment of quiet contemplation through the minimalist aesthetic of the Obaku Zen tradition. The composition features a solitary figure, likely a monk, seated with his back to the viewer while engaged in the study of a sutra. The artist employs a sparse, calligraphic approach, using fluid ink strokes to define the robes and posture of the figure. The surrounding space remains largely empty, a deliberate choice that directs attention to the act of reading and the stillness of the subject.

Jifei Ruyi was a prominent figure in the transmission of Chan Buddhism from China to Japan during the 17th century. His artistic output often reflects the meditative practices of his order, prioritising spontaneity and direct expression over technical elaboration. The accompanying calligraphy, executed with similar gestural freedom, balances the visual weight of the figure. The red seals provide a subtle contrast to the monochrome ink, marking the work with the artist's identity and authority. This piece is characteristic of the Zenga style, where the economy of line serves to communicate spiritual focus rather than descriptive detail. The paper surface, aged to a warm, neutral tone, provides a soft background that enhances the clarity of the ink work. By stripping away extraneous elements, the artist invites the viewer to share in the silence of the scene, reflecting the core tenets of Zen practice. The work remains a clear example of how ink painting functions as a vehicle for philosophical expression, where the physical movement of the brush mirrors the mental state of the practitioner.