Rengetsu (1791-1875), whose name translates as Lotus Moon, was a Japanese Buddhist nun whose tragic life inspired extraordinary creativity. One of a very few successful female artists in nineteenth-century Japan, Rengetsu was primarily a poet and calligrapher, but also excelled in pottery and scroll painting. Her idiosyncratic personal aesthetic attracted an enormous following in her own lifetime and was imitated by many of her admirers. Black Robe, White Mist presents contemplative works on paper and clay inscribed with Rengetsu's elegant poetry and understated calligraphy, reflecting the beauty of the imperfect and unconventional. A number of distinguished contributors share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for Rengetsu's poetry and art. Melanie Eastburn is assistant curator of Asian art at the National Gallery of Australia. Other contributors include Chiaki Ajioka, Lucie Folan, Patricia J. Graham, Robyn Maxwell, Meher McArthur, Sandra Sheckter, John Stevens, and Saymi Takahashi.

Explore this stunning collection of spiritual calligraphy by Japan’s greatest martial arts masters—with commentary from Zen art authority and aikido master John Stevens. Beginning with the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi, nearly all of the great martial arts masters left a legacy of calligraphy and painting. Their artwork—Zenga and Zensho (“Zen pictures” and “Zen calligraphy”)—was not only an extension of their Zen practice but also reflected their deep spiritual commitment to the budo ethos, the perfection of self through martial arts training. This book presents a concise history of this tradition, with works from such samurai as Musashi, Takuan, Yagyu, Motusgai, Rengetsu, Tesshu Deishu, Kano, Morihei, and others. Aikido master John Stevens is an expert on Zen and budo art, and he provides a fascinating introduction to the tradition and biographical details on each of the warrior artists, and brief, illuminating commentary on each piece.

In her previous life, the person she married was not a decent man. As a noble empress, she was still framed by the person she trusted the most. She was hacked into pieces and died due to injustice. In her rebirth, the struggle for imperial power was still unavoidable. She cast all the misfortune she had suffered in her previous life into the shape of a sword or armor. It would shake the world and shake all the rivers and mountains. Who said that she was venomous, jealous, and unscrupulous? She would wipe out her enemies and help her husband ascend the throne. Who said that she, Feng Ning Yan, would hold the hand of government and shake the foundations of the country? Then she would kill all the deceitful officials and ascend the throne! However, who would know that what she did was not to rule the world, but to live forever. Her goal was the name branded deeply in her heart by her past life. Shen Lingjue, I will not let you down in this life.