In 1664, a book entitled Shichiku shoshin-shu established a system of notation for the shakuhachi flute, comprised of 13 characters different from Japanese characters but written in the same vertical columns.

Currently this music is kept alive by scholars and practitioners in Japan, and some dedicated groups in other countries. Although the music embodies many rich and historic themes, generally its base is grounded in the simplicity of Zen and the quiet life.

Paula Hollins has attempted to capture the simplicity, universal centeredness and delicacy of the music in these paintings.