“Unknown Road”: A Compass for Life Guided by the Brush

Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki has vividly depicted “Unknown Road” (未知道) with striking ink traces.

These three characters, expressed with powerful brushstrokes, encapsulate the very essence of the life we live each day.

Let us unravel the profound meaning embedded in this work that stirs the hearts of all who behold it.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／

The Courage to Walk an Unknown Road

“Unknown Road” (未知道)—literally meaning “a path yet to be known”—is a term coined by the calligrapher himself, yet it reflects a universal truth about human existence.

We all live in a world where we cannot know what tomorrow will bring.
As the four-character idiom “zentō ryōen” (前途遼遠, meaning “the road ahead stretches far into the distance”) suggests, our future path extends beyond our sight.
Yet simultaneously, we hold the potential to pioneer “zenjin mitō” (前人未踏) territory—ground where no one has walked before.

We open our eyes in the morning.
From that moment, we begin walking the unknown path of a new day.
Sometimes things proceed as planned; other times we encounter unexpected meetings or difficulties.
Still, without stopping, we move forward step by step—this practice itself is what it means to “walk the unknown road.”

Life Force Dwelling in Ink

When viewing this work born from Shourin Iwasaki’s brush, one notices how the characters transcend mere symbols and seem to leap with vitality, as if alive.

Particularly striking is the flowing sweep of the character “道” (dō, meaning “road”), which symbolizes the road extending toward the future itself.
The powerful vertical stroke of “未” (mi, meaning “not yet”) conveys a firm resolve toward unseen possibilities.
And the subtle bleeding of the strokes in “知” (chi, meaning “to know”) expresses the beauty found within uncertainty.

Just as the spirit of “ichi-go ichi-e” (一期一会, “one time, one meeting”—treasuring each encounter as unique) is cherished in calligraphy, this work captures a singular moment that can never be replicated.
The concentration at the moment the brush descends, the gradations of ink, the speed at which it absorbs into the paper—all harmonize to create the distinctive breath of this piece.

Uncertainty as Hope

Modern society, with the advancement of AI and globalization, is filled with the “unknown” more than ever before. In an age where the future is opaque and unclear, we are prone to anxiety.
Yet from another perspective, this means infinite possibilities lie before us.

“Unknown Road” offers us a viewpoint that embraces uncertainty not as something negative, but rather as the very essence of life’s adventure.
Precisely because the road is not visible, there is joy in carving it out ourselves.
Precisely because there are no answers, there is meaning in searching for our own.

Since ancient times, the concept of “the path” (道, dō) has been central to Taoism and Zen philosophy.
It signifies not merely a physical road, but a way of living as a human being, a pursuit of truth.
The term “Unknown Road” can be seen as evoking the profundity of Eastern thought in our contemporary era.

A Prayer Embodied in Calligraphy

Through this work, calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki poses a question to us all:

“How will you walk your own unknown road?”

The courage to take a step forward without fear.
The determination to advance even while uncertain.
The composure to enjoy unexpected developments
—all these elements create a fulfilling life.

The vermilion seal pressed in the lower left tightens the entire composition while serving as an imprint of the calligrapher’s soul.
Within brushstrokes free of any hesitation, one can perceive a powerful message: “Do not fear the unknown; rather, embrace it.”

Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki continues to create new works daily.
On his Instagram, you can view numerous soul-stirring pieces like “Unknown Road.”
Each work offers viewers small moments of awareness and great courage for their own lives.

Won’t you immerse yourself in the world of words woven in ink?

Beyond the unknown road, you will surely encounter a new version of yourself.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！　／

Bringing Art into Daily Life—An Encounter with Calligraphy

Would you like to welcome such calligraphy works into your everyday space?

Shourin Iwasaki has recently opened an online shop on STORES.
You can now easily view and purchase various calligraphy works.

Calligraphy works are more than just characters.
They breathe life into a space and quietly yet certainly enrich the hearts of those who live there.
Imagine starting your day by viewing these characters each morning.
Calming your mind with them each evening.
Picture a life where art naturally blends into your daily routine.

In the online shop, detailed images of each work are presented along with the thoughts embedded in every piece.
If any work speaks to you, please visit STORES (https://shourin-iwasaki.stores.jp/).

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／