Kyōka Suigetsu
Japanese Name:
鏡花水月
Romaji Name:
kyoukasuigetsu
Description
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"Kyouka suigetsu" is a Japanese phrase meaning "flower reflected in a mirror, moon on water." It describes something beautiful but intangible or illusory—like a dream or an illusion that cannot be grasped, symbolizing fleeting beauty or the ephemeral nature of life.
History
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The phrase originates from Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism and classical Chinese poetry, later adopted into Japanese culture.
It appears in various Japanese literary and artistic works, reflecting Zen ideals of impermanence (無常, mujō) and the illusory nature of reality.
The concept has influenced Japanese aesthetics, including tea ceremony, painting, and poetry.
English Usage