The black of ink and the white of empty space.
Within this contrast, words are given life.
“Smile” created by calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki is not merely an arrangement of characters.
The emotions embedded in each stroke quietly yet surely resonate in the hearts of those who view this work.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
The Warming Power of Words
The word “smile” possesses a mysterious power.
Since ancient times, Japan has had a Buddhist term “和顔愛語wagen-aigo,” which means interacting with others through a gentle smile and kind words.
This teaching tells us that a peaceful smile and warm language soothe the hearts of others while enriching our own souls.
A smile is communication beyond words.
It is a universal expression that transcends borders, eras, and generations, connecting people to people.
Additionally, the four-character idiom “笑門来福shoumon-raifuku” means that happiness naturally visits homes filled with laughter.
A smile is like a magnet that attracts happiness.
Shourin Iwasaki’s work is filled with such warmth, as if opening a door that welcomes in fortune.
Ink Dances, the Brush Sings
Look at this work.
On the left side, the dynamic characters of “Smile.”
On the right side, the powerful yet graceful Chinese characters for “smile.”
Two languages harmonize on a single canvas, resonating with each other.
Words from different cultural spheres—English and Japanese—are united through the common language of ink.
The curve of the “S” in “Smile” evokes the corners of a smiling mouth.
The bamboo radical contained in the Chinese character for “smile” symbolizes strength—like bamboo that stands flexibly while swaying in the wind, never losing its smile even amid hardship.
And the character for “face” depicts the very expression of a person wearing that smile.
The red seal stamped in the lower left tightens the entire composition, adding a touch of color to the world of black and white.
This too seems to represent those moments of joy that suddenly visit us in our daily lives.
Philosophy of Life Woven by the Brush
Calligraphy is not merely the art of writing beautiful characters.
It is an extremely introspective practice where the heart of the one holding the brush is directly transferred onto paper.
The reason Shourin Iwasaki chose the word “Smile”
—it must be a message to those of us living in modern times.
The importance of smiling, something we tend to forget in our busy daily lives.
Perhaps in an age where artificial intelligence and digital technology are advancing, we need to rediscover the value of genuine smiles that only humans can offer.
There is an expression “破顔一笑hagan-isshou,” meaning to break into a smile with one’s whole face beaming.
As this four-character idiom indicates, a smile is not something manufactured but something that naturally causes the face to “break open.”
Shourin Iwasaki’s brushwork overflows with such natural joy.
A Piece of Calligraphy for Your Daily Life
What if you displayed this work in your room?
“Smile” is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning.
“Smile” casually enters your field of vision when you return home tired from work.
Each time, your heart becomes a little lighter.
This work possesses such magical power.
Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki shares his daily creative activities on Instagram (@iwasaki_shourin).
Besides “Smile,” words that touch the heart are given life through ink, waiting for us there.
The trajectory of the brush is the very breath of the calligrapher.
Why not experience the world of calligraphy while sensing that rhythm of breathing?
If you follow, the joy of encountering new words daily will come to your timeline.
A single piece of calligraphy will surely deliver small but certain smiles to your life.
Calligraphy speaks across time.
Shourin Iwasaki’s “Smile” continues to light up someone’s heart somewhere, even today.
＼ 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.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
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