Temporary Exhibition |Corfu Museum of Asian Art

July 7, 2025 – December 31, 2025

The Corfu Museum of Asian Art invites you on a journey of reflection and inner peace, offering a profound exploration of the world of Zen. The temporary exhibition “Zen Painting: The Sound of Silence” presents to the public, for the first time, rare Japanese hanging scrolls (kakemono), folding screens from the Edo period (1600–1868), and publications showcasing samples of traditional handmade Japanese paper. These artworks, dating from the 15th to the 19th century, reveal how Zen Buddhism profoundly inspired Japanese art—particularly painting—transforming it into a powerful medium of expression and spiritual pursuit.

Zen is a school of Buddhism focused on enlightenment through meditation. At the heart of Zen practice lies zazen—seated meditation—which strengthens the spirit and leads toward awakening and illumination. From the 7th century onward, Zen philosophy made its way into Japan, influencing primarily the Samurai class before spreading into literature and the arts, offering new spiritual and aesthetic dimensions.

Zen painting flourished during the Muromachi period (1392–1573) and is closely tied to the meditative practices of monks seeking enlightenment. These brushstrokes are defined by a strict yet dynamic simplicity, and their monochrome compositions evoke a spirit of spiritual reflection and intellectual depth. Through these works, visitors can grasp the essential link between Zen and painting: the line is the heart of the art, while enlightenment is its ultimate aim.

The exhibition includes works from the suiboku-ga school (15th century), as well as paintings by Hakuin Ekaku, revivalist of Zen painting during the Edo period (1600–1868). In his depictions of Daruma (the founder of Zen) and in works featuring koans (enigmatic Zen riddles) Hakuin demonstrates that Zen art is not merely aesthetic, but a spiritual path in itself. These works

challenge the viewer’s perception and invite them to discover the deeper meanings behind seemingly simple images.

Additionally, the exhibition features “The Moon over the Waves” by the painter Katsushika Hokusai, best known for his iconic work “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”. In this piece, the artist experiments with Zen aesthetics. Through simplicity of line, a strong emphasis on the natural landscape, and the depiction of dynamic movement, Hokusai portrays nature not only as a subject, but as a spiritual entity that shapes human existence. Zen art recognizes the self as being in absolute connection with the natural environment, inviting the viewer to disengage from the external world and focus on inner stillness.

The exhibition concludes with an interactive presentation of a traditional conservation workshop for Japanese hanging scrolls (kakemono)—a highly specialized process that ensures the integrity of these works and plays a vital role in preserving their spiritual and artistic significance for future generations.

“Zen Painting: The Sound of Silence” is organized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Corfu Museum of Asian Art, under the auspices of the Embassy of Japan and the Region of the Ionian Islands.