Zenga refers to a specific subset of Zen painting that encompasses both sumi-e painting and calligraphy produced by Japanese Zen masters during the Edo and Meiji periods. The art form is defined by its direct, simple, and expressive brushwork, which is typically executed in monochrome.
The subject matter of Zenga often features traditional Buddhist figures, including Daruma, Kanzan, Jittoko, and Hotei, frequently depicted as comical caricatures. These paintings are commonly accompanied by Zen sayings rendered in rough calligraphy. Other popular themes within the genre include simple motifs such as the Ensō, the staff of a Zen master, or standalone calligraphy without accompanying imagery.