Enso

the long version

"The enso, or "Zen circle," is one of the most prevalent images of Zen art, and it has become a symbol of the clean and strong Zen aesthetic--to the point where one sees ensos on everything from screensavers to restaurant menus. Regardless of how it is interpreted, the enso is an expression of the mind of the artist. It is said that the state of the practitioner can be particularly clearly read in the manner of execution of an enso. Here Zen art expert Audrey Yoshiko Seo brings together a collection of the best examples of traditional enso art to show the wonderful variety of the form and its interpretations, from the seventeenth century to the present. Each piece occupies an entire page, with commentary on the facing page. Seo's commentary focuses on the meaning of the art and the historical context in which it was brushed, as well as providing analysis of each artist's technique. Also included are biographies of the artists--many of whom are important Japanese Zen teachers." -- Publisher description.