Ensō

(noun)

A Japanese word meaning "circle" and a concept strongly associated with Zen.

Related Terms

  • Zenga

Examples of Ensō in the following topics:

  • Zenga Painting in the Edo Period

    • In keeping with individual paths to enlightenment, nearly any subject matter can and has lent itself to Zenga; however, the most common elements depicted were the ensō, sticks, and Mt.
    • In Zen Buddhism, an ensō is a circle that is hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes to express a moment when the mind is free to let the body create.
    • The ensō symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and mu (the void), and it is characterized by a minimalism born of Japanese aesthetics.
    • Though nearly any subject matter can and has lent itself to Zenga paintings, one of the most common elements depicted was the ensō, a symbol of enlightenment.
  • Japanese Calligraphy in the Kamakura Period

    • Through Zen, Japanese calligraphy absorbed a distinct Japanese aesthetic often symbolized by the ensō, or circle of enlightenment.
    • Ensō (c. 2000) by Kanjuro Shibata XX.
    • Some artists draw ensō with an opening in the circle, while others close the circle.
Subjects
  • Accounting
  • Algebra
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  • U.S. History
  • World History
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