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Shimizu Kôshô (1911-1999)
Rinzai Zenga / Kyôyaki
Zara,Seifu, Clear wind, (Gessei fuhaku, Clear moon and white wind)
Signed: Kôshô
Seals:
Technique: Grey Kyôyaki with fine crackled glaze and brown and blue tetsu-e underglaze calligraphy Ø 25,2 x 4
Box: signed
Condition: fine

Shimizu Kôshô was born in Himeji. In 1927 he entered the Todai-ji in Nara. Upon graduating in Buddhist studies from Ryokoku University in 1933 he took up residence at the Tenryu-ji for four years to study and practice Zen under the guidance of the Abbot Seki Seisetsu (1877-1945). In 1947 he became director of Todai-ji High School. In 1959 he was appointed director of the Monks' Academy (Kangakuin) at Todai-ji, and in 1963 became director of Todai-ji Girls' School and Todai-ji Kindergarten. 1969 marked a turning point in Kôshô's career, when he was appointed Head of Religious Affairs of the Kegon Tradition. When in 1975 the abbot Kamitsukasa Kaiun (1907-1975) died Kôshô was chosen to be his successor, and in 1978 he became the 208th abbot dai bettô, of Todai-ji. However, he already resigned in 1981.

For the remaining 18 years of his life, Shimizu Kôshô was dedicated to art. He became a prolific "eccentric" painter, calligrapher and figurative potter. In 1994, when the Shosha Art and Craft Museum (in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture), was founded, Kôshô was made its honorary director.

Price: ON REQUEST