Ryoukan, a famous Zen monk in the Edo period, was famous as a calligrapher, so his works of calligraphy were very popular. While Ryoukan refused requests of writing from famous people, he willingly wrote works for children and ordinary people.

One day, Ryoukan was said by an ordinary person, “Ryoukan’s calligraphy is difficult for me to read, so please write calligraphic works which everyone can read.” As a result, Ryoukan wrote “one, two, and three” using Chinese characters and “i, ro, and ha” in “hiragana.” (Japanese syllabary characters). Both characters are very elementary, like “a, b and c” in the alphabet. It is thought that Ryoukan wanted to convey the essence of Zen: the secrets of everything are in simple things.

This is a painting by Katsunobu Kawahito of that scene. Ryoukan’s kindly smile and the ordinary people’s glad looks give a cheerful atmosphere to this work. Katsunobu Kawahito had an affinity with Ryoukan because Katsunobu Kawahito willingly paints as well if requested. This is why Katsunobu Kawahito created this work.