The Unborn - T-Shirt

Wear a piece of Zen philosophy. This Japanese-inspired calligraphy tee features three flowing columns of cursive Chinese characters that faithfully reproduce the 17th-century Zen master Bankei Yōtaku’s meditation on the “Unborn”. 

The design

Three dynamic vertical columns of beautifully flowing, cursive characters present Bankei Yōtaku’s short poem about the "Unborn", which tells us of an eternal presence, "existing prior to heaven and earth", and sums up his philosophy which incorporated both Zen Buddhism and Chinese Daoism. The layout faithfully reproduces the traditional vertical calligraphy and reveals a great degree of detail. If you look closely, you will be able to see tiny ink splatters and the characteristic "flying white" – all from a calligraphy made hundreds of years ago. While the elegant calligraphy deserves to be front and center, the shirt is also a great layering piece, and can let its powerful brushstrokes shine through e.g. an unbuttoned shirt or jacket.

The artist

Bankei Yōtaku (1622-1693) was a Japanese Rinzai Zen master known for teaching the concept of the “Unborn” (fushō), emphasizing natural, effortless awareness free from attachments or deliberate practice.

Why you'll love it

• Beautifully flowing calligraphy, faithfully reproduced with small ink splatters and "flying white
• A unique teaching wrapped into a striking shirt design that wears well as a stand-alone-piece but also layered under an open shirt or jacket 
• A calm reminder of the depth of Zen teaching throughout your day 
• A perfect gift for all who are interested in meditation and mindfulness, or enjoy masterful calligraphy