VINTAGE - Japanese Kakejiku Calligraphy Hanging Scroll – Jakunen Fudō

This vintage Japanese kakejiku hanging scroll features expressive black calligraphy reading:

寂然不動 — Jakunen Fudō

The phrase originates from Buddhist and Zen thought and describes a state of deep inner calm in which the mind remains steady and undisturbed, regardless of external events.

寂然 (jakunen) refers to quietness, serenity, and a peaceful state free from distracting thoughts and desires.

不動 (fudō) means immovable, unwavering, or unaffected by outside circumstances.

Together, 寂然不動 may be interpreted as:

“Remaining calm and unmoved, no matter what happens.”

The expression represents an ideal state of mind in which a person remains composed through difficulties, criticism, success, or failure. It is closely connected with the concepts of inner balance, quiet strength, and emotional steadiness valued in Zen Buddhism and traditional martial arts.

When displayed as calligraphy, 寂然不動 serves as a reminder to cultivate a peaceful mind, remain grounded, and avoid being controlled by the changing circumstances of life.

The artwork is mounted on a muted blue-green textile-style background decorated with an elegant repeating floral and scrolling-vine motif. Pale cream-and-gold decorative sections frame the upper and lower edges of the calligraphy panel.

A kakejiku (kakemono) is a traditional Japanese hanging-scroll format used to display calligraphy or painting. It can be hung in a tokonoma-style alcove and rolled for compact storage when not in use.

Material: Ink on paper mounted with textile or textile-style decorative fabric, paper backing, hanging cord, and wooden or wood-style roller ends. The precise materials cannot be confirmed.

Dimensions: Total length: approximately 146 cm; width: approximately 27 cm.

Condition: Vintage, very good condition. The scroll may show minor creases, wrinkles, stains, marks, discoloration, rubbing, edge wear, and other signs of age and previous storage or display.

Important Notice

The items are pre-owned, so please note that they may have small stains or imperfections that we may not have noticed.

We are a company with an official state permit, known as Kobutsu Sho, for trading second-hand goods. All products are authentic and sold in accordance with Japanese law.