This original shikishi calligraphy artwork comes from Zentsūji 善通寺, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples and famously known as the birthplace of Kōbō Daishi 弘法大師 / Kūkai, founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism.
The central calligraphy reads 報恩 — hōon, meaning “repaying kindness,” “gratitude for blessings received,” or “returning benevolence.” It is a deeply Buddhist expression, often connected with the idea of recognizing the kindness of teachers, parents, ancestors, the Buddha, and all beings, and responding with sincerity, practice, and gratitude.
The label reads 屏風ヶ浦 総本山 善通寺, identifying the work with Byōbugaura Zentsūji, the head temple of the Zentsūji school of Shingon Buddhism. This gives the piece a meaningful temple connection, making it more than a decorative calligraphy board.
