Pair of Antique Chinese Calligraphic Scrolls (#519)

#519 ITEM: A Pair of Antique Chinese Calligraphic Scrolls DESCRIPTION: This is a pair of antique Chinese scrolls, each detailed with three vertical lines of Chinese script, artfully arranged to fill the length and width of the scroll. The back of one scroll displays some discoloration. SIZE: 11.25 x 42 inches each PRICE: (pair) $ 210. ------------ ABOUT: The Chinese Tea Ceremony scroll, often written by famous calligraphers, and later copied by buddhist monks, tea masters, or iemotos are traditionally hung in the tokonoma (alcove) of the tea room. The calligraphy scrolls may be writings of Chinese Zen priests or priests of the Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto. They may also be calligraphy written by emperors, court nobles, and women between the tenth and thirteenth centuries (Heian Period), or they may be letters and poems by tea masters. Each scroll is selected by the tea master for their appropriateness for the season, time of day, or special ceremony. The scroll is hand painted on hand-made paper that can be roll mounted and hung on the wall. Individuals often spend a life time perfecting this very revered art, some of whom are considered “national living treasures.” The vertical scrolls purpose in a tea ceremony is to set the mood, in a spiritual sense. The first thing the tea guests do is to examine and remark on the scroll and accompanying flower arrangement in the tokonoma, since they know their host has gone to a lot of trouble to find just the right things to display there. The scroll will most likely also be the subject of conversation when the tea has been served. The scrolls may contain one character or famous Buddhist sayings, descriptions of famous places, or words and phrases associated with the tea ceremony.