Gulin Qingmao Bokuseki "Getsurin" Dao-hao: A National Treasure of Zen Calligraphy

Among the most revered examples of Zen calligraphy preserved in Japan, the bokuseki (ink writing) by Gulin Qingmao bearing the dao-hao (Zen name) "Getsurin" stands as a profound testament to the spiritual bonds that once connected Zen communities across China and Japan. Designated a National Treasure in 1953, this single hanging scroll—penned in the third month of 1327 during the Yuan dynasty—captures the moment when a great Chinese Zen master formally recognized his Japanese disciple as a worthy bearer of the Dharma. Today, deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, it awaits visitors who wish to encounter the living spirit of medieval Zen culture.

What Is a Bokuseki?

The term "bokuseki" (墨蹟) literally means "ink traces" and refers to calligraphic works by Zen Buddhist monks. Unlike secular calligraphy that prizes aesthetic beauty alone, bokuseki are valued as direct expressions of a monk's spiritual attainment—each brushstroke is considered a reflection of the writer's enlightened mind. In the world of Japanese tea ceremony and Zen practice, bokuseki have been treasured for centuries as the highest form of hanging scroll for the tokonoma (alcove), surpassing even famous paintings in cultural prestige.

The Author: Gulin Qingmao (1262–1329)

Gulin Qingmao (古林清茂, Japanese reading: Kurin Seimu) was one of the most eminent Zen masters of Yuan-dynasty China. Born in Wenzhou, he studied under Hengchuan Ruqu and became a towering figure in the Songyan (Matsumoto) line of Rinzai Zen. His literary name was "Gulin" and he also used the sobriquet "Xiuju Sou" (休居叟). After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title "Foxing Chanshi" (Buddha-nature Zen Master).

Gulin was renowned not only for his profound Zen insight but also for his exceptional calligraphy, described as possessing both dignity and refined literary elegance. He was deeply learned in Chinese literature and maintained friendships with leading scholar-officials such as the calligrapher-poet Feng Zizhen. At a time when Zen monasteries were becoming increasingly secularized in their literary output, Gulin championed the traditional practice of composing Buddhist-themed verses (gāthā), insisting that Zen poetry should remain firmly rooted in spiritual content rather than drifting toward mundane literary conventions.

So great was his reputation that it was said no Japanese monk who traveled to Yuan-dynasty China would fail to seek instruction under Gulin. Among his many distinguished disciples were Liaoʼan Qingyu, Zhuxian Fanxian (who later came to Japan), and from Japan, Getsurin Dōkō and Sekishitsu Zenkyū.

The Recipient: Getsurin Dōkō

Getsurin Dōkō (月林道皎) was a Japanese Zen monk of noble birth—the son of Kuga Tomoaki (久我具房), a courtier of middle counselor rank. In 1322 (Genkō 2), he made the arduous sea voyage to Yuan-dynasty China, where he entered the assembly of Gulin Qingmao and devoted himself to intensive Zen training for eight years.

During his studies, Gulin recognized Getsurin's profound spiritual attainment and bestowed upon him the dao-hao (道号, Zen name) "Getsurin" (月林, meaning "Moon Forest") in the third month of 1327. This was not merely a name but a formal acknowledgment that the disciple had achieved a level of understanding worthy of independent teaching—comparable in significance to an inka (certificate of enlightenment). Gulin accompanied the two large characters of the name with a seven-character quatrain (gāthā) explaining the significance of the name.

So highly was Getsurin regarded that the Yuan emperor Wenzong bestowed upon him the honorary title "Buhui Zhijian Dashi" (仏恵智鑑大師, Master of Buddha-Wisdom and Wise Discernment). Getsurin returned to Japan in 1330 (Gentoku 2), where he converted Chofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto's Umezu district from a Tendai temple to a Rinzai Zen monastery, becoming its founding abbot. He received the devoted patronage of the retired Emperor Hanazono, one of Japan's most culturally distinguished sovereigns.

Why Was It Designated a National Treasure?

The "Getsurin Dao-hao" was designated a National Treasure on March 31, 1953, under the classification of Written Works and Texts (書跡・典籍). Several factors contributed to this exceptional recognition:

• It is considered the finest surviving example of a Zen dao-hao (name-bestowing document) from the Song-Yuan period, displaying Gulin's characteristic calligraphic style—powerful yet refined, with a dignified authority that reflects his spiritual mastery.
• The scroll provides invaluable documentary evidence of the vibrant exchange between Chinese and Japanese Zen communities during the 13th and 14th centuries, a period that profoundly shaped Japanese culture.
• Its unbroken provenance from the moment of creation to the present day—having been brought back to Japan by Getsurin himself and preserved at the temple he founded—gives it extraordinary historical authenticity.
• The calligraphy demonstrates the influence of Zhao Mengfu's aesthetic sensibility that characterized Yuan-dynasty Zen writing, making it an important reference for the history of East Asian calligraphy.

Highlights and What to Appreciate

When viewing this bokuseki, visitors can look for several distinctive features. The two large characters "月林" (Getsurin) are written with bold, confident strokes that convey Gulin's spiritual authority and mastery of brush technique. Below the large characters, a seven-character quatrain in elegant running script (gyōsho) explains the deeper meaning of the bestowed name, blending Buddhist symbolism with literary refinement.

The overall composition reflects the distinctive style of Yuan-dynasty Zen calligraphy, which was influenced by the aesthetic ideals of the great calligrapher Zhao Mengfu. The ink tones, the rhythm of the brushwork, and the balance between the monumental name characters and the smaller verse text all contribute to a work that transcends mere writing to become a visual expression of Zen awakening.

The inscription "泰定四年三月望日" (the full-moon day of the third month, Taiding 4th year) precisely dates the work to 1327, adding to its historical significance as a firmly datable masterpiece of medieval calligraphy.

Where to See It: Kyoto National Museum

The bokuseki is owned by Chofuku-ji Temple but has been deposited at the Kyoto National Museum for safekeeping and periodic public display. It is exhibited approximately once every few years as part of the museum's rotating collection galleries (Meihin Gallery). Recent exhibitions include the 2025 New Year gallery display (January 2 to February 9, 2025) and the 2022 special exhibition "Living Culture of Kyoto: Tea Ceremony." Visitors planning a trip should check the Kyoto National Museum's official website for current exhibition schedules.

The Kyoto National Museum (Heisei Chishinkan wing) is located in the Higashiyama district at 527 Chaya-chō, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. It is easily accessible by bus from Kyoto Station or on foot from Shichijō Station on the Keihan Railway line.

About Chofuku-ji Temple

Chofuku-ji (長福寺) is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Nanzen-ji school, located in Kyoto's Umezu district (Ukyō-ku). Its origins date back to 1169, when a nun named Shinri built a hall to enshrine an ancient Buddha image. The temple was originally affiliated with the Tendai school, but in 1339, Getsurin Dōkō entered the temple and converted it to Rinzai Zen, becoming its founding abbot (kaisan).

In 1350, Chofuku-ji received the designation of imperial prayer temple (chokuganjo) from Emperor Kōgon of the Northern Court. Although it suffered destruction during the Ōnin War, it was rebuilt through the efforts of the warlord Yamana Sōzen. The temple houses an impressive collection of cultural properties, including another National Treasure—a painted portrait of Emperor Hanazono by the artist Gōshin—as well as numerous Important Cultural Properties such as Emperor Hanazono's own calligraphic works and temple records.

While Chofuku-ji itself is a quiet neighborhood temple not generally open for public tourism, its serene atmosphere and deep historical connections make it a hidden gem of Kyoto's Umezu area, located near the Katsura River and not far from popular destinations such as Arashiyama.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Visitors who come to see the bokuseki at the Kyoto National Museum can easily combine their visit with other nearby attractions in the Higashiyama district, including Sanjūsangen-dō (Temple of a Thousand Buddhas), Tōfuku-ji Temple with its spectacular autumn foliage, and the historic streets of Gion. The museum itself is surrounded by beautiful grounds and offers views of its Meiji-era brick building (an Important Cultural Property).

For those interested in visiting Chofuku-ji Temple in Umezu, the area offers a pleasant contrast to Kyoto's busier tourist zones. Nearby attractions include Matsunoo Taisha Shrine (one of Kyoto's oldest shrines), Kōryū-ji Temple (home to the famous Miroku Bosatsu statue, a National Treasure), and the scenic Arashiyama district with its bamboo groves and Tenryū-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).