“Wish” Written with Brush — A Calligrapher’s Prayer for the New Year

When we welcome a new year, a “wish” invariably blooms in our hearts.
Health, happiness, success, peace.
Though they take different forms, hope for the future dwells in everyone’s heart.

What calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki has taken up his brush to write this time is precisely this single character: “wish” (願).

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／

A Single Character Where Strength and Delicacy Intersect

Looking at the image, you’ll be struck by the unique world created by the gradations of ink.
The character “wish” is written with powerful brushstrokes, yet somehow conveys a sense of softness.
The feelings poured into each stroke speak quietly to the viewer’s heart.

Particularly impressive is the beauty of the “ma” (間) — the spacing — that appears in the movement of the brush.
The moment when ink is absorbed into paper, the instant when the brush dances through the air.
All of this lives and breathes within this work.
The vermillion seal stamp pressed in the lower left adds color to the black and white contrast, tightening the overall composition.

The Deep Meaning Contained in the Word “Wish”

The Chinese character “願” (wish) is composed of “原” (origin) and “頁” (head).
To bring one’s original heart, one’s honest thoughts, to mind.
That is the essence of the act of “wishing.”

Desire, aspiration, prayer, vow. There are countless words containing “wish,” all expressing pure human feelings.
Among them, four-character idioms teach us the importance of concentrating one’s heart on a single wish.

In Buddhism, there is the word “hongan” (本願), meaning “fundamental vow.”
This represents a deep compassionate heart that wishes to save all living beings.
One can sense that such universal prayer is also embedded in the “wish” written by Shourin Iwasaki.

Time of Stillness, Facing Calligraphy

Calligraphy is not merely a technique for writing characters beautifully.
It is also a kind of spiritual discipline — facing oneself, settling one’s mind, and concentrating on each moment.

Looking at Shourin Iwasaki’s work, you can almost visualize the process of its creation.
The sound of grinding ink, the tension in the hand holding the brush, the silence at the moment the brush tip touches paper.
And then, the vitality of characters written in one breath.

We who live in modern society are constantly pressed for time, spending our days without a moment to calm our hearts.
Perhaps that’s why we’re so drawn to the “stillness” and “strength” that such calligraphic works possess.

Bringing Calligraphy into Your Daily Life

Shourin Iwasaki aims to touch people’s hearts through calligraphy and bring small moments of inspiration to everyday life.
On Instagram (@iwasaki_shourin), he regularly shares his daily creative process and new works.
He also writes about the behind-the-scenes of his creation and the feelings he pours into his calligraphy, so please follow to see more.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！　／

Online Shop Now Open

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that an online shop where you can purchase Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy works has now opened on STORES.

Bring calligraphy works such as “Breaking the Limits” into your hands.
As a gift, as a present to yourself, as a message of encouragement to someone important.
Calligraphy conveys feelings that go beyond words.

We offer framed works and a variety of sizes.
Perfect not only as interior decor for your room, but also as gifts for those embarking on new beginnings.

Limits exist to be surpassed.
A single piece of calligraphy gives you that extra push forward.

Please experience the world of Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／