Like taking a deep breath, the brush breathes upon the Japanese paper.
Today, we introduce two characters, “Rest,” written with a serene heart by calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki.
This work, where strength and softness coexist and movement and stillness intersect, spreads gentle ripples across the viewer’s heart—like a tender hand that nestles close to a weary soul.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
The Deep Meaning of the Word “Rest”
“Rest” does not merely refer to resting one’s body.
The character “休” (rest) is a pictograph depicting a person leaning against a tree.
A weary traveler pauses beneath a great tree—this scene is embodied in a single character.
And “息” (breath) is written with the elements for “self” and “heart.”
In other words, rest is not only about resting the body, but also about time spent facing one’s own heart.
Modern society is filled with ceaseless information and endless busyness.
The act of “taking rest” has become not a luxury but a necessity.
Yet do we truly know the real meaning of rest?
There is an expression: “一張一弛 (icchou-isshi)” — tensing and relaxing the bow.
That is, the balance between tension and relaxation, between activity and rest, is the secret to enriching life.
A Quiet Dialogue Depicted by the Brush
Look at Shourin Iwasaki’s “Rest.”
In the character “休,” the left radical depicting a person stands powerfully, flowing naturally into the “木” (tree) portion on the right.
The gradations of light and dark ink evoke the coolness of shade beneath a tree, and a sense of peace.
The movement of the brush is free from hesitation, yet does not lose its softness.
And the character “息.”
The trajectory of the brush descending from the upper “自” to the lower “心” is like the rhythm of deep breathing itself.
Especially in the final “心” portion, three dots are arranged in exquisite balance, quietly yet certainly conveying life—like the beating of a heart.
The blank space born between the two characters is also an essential element of the work.
There, wordless silence and soundless tranquility spread out.
It is by no means an empty void, but rather a pause filled with richness.
What the Blank Space Says About True Rest
In calligraphy, it is said that the unwritten portions determine the breathing of the work.
The quiet space spreading around this work “Rest” may reveal the essence of the rest we truly need.
It is time when nothing is done.
Time when one is permitted simply to exist.
Time to face oneself quietly, undisturbed by anyone.
The red seal impression in the lower left adds a small warmth to the world of white and black.
It is an expression of the fire of life that does not extinguish even in rest, the passion for creation.
Not stopping completely, but continuing to burn quietly—that too may be one form of rest.
The Rest the Calligrapher Found
When Shourin Iwasaki takes up the brush, there must be a unique tension.
Each stroke is an irreversible moment, and their succession creates the work.
Yet at the same time, might not the very act of writing calligraphy itself be a form of rest for the calligrapher?
Time away from daily clamor, facing the ink, dialoguing with the brush.
It is both the most concentrated time and a liberating time when one can be most oneself.
In the work “Rest,” one can sense this state of the calligrapher’s heart reflected.
Releasing power while maintaining one’s core.
Being quiet while being full of life force.
境地（kyochi） realm that seems contradictory yet is actually one.
The Wisdom of “Rest” Needed by Modern People
There is a four-character compound “心身休養 (shinshin-kyuyou)” — resting and nourishing both mind and body. Without both, true recovery will not come.
There is also the expression “休養生息 (kyuyou-seisoku)” — resting, nourishing, and fostering life.
Rest is not merely about relieving fatigue, but creative time for storing energy for the next activity.
When gazing at this work, such wisdom seems to quietly permeate the heart.
In the midst of busy daily life, pausing for a moment and taking a deep breath—these two characters gently teach the importance of such moments.
A Dose of Rest for Your Heart
If you are now being chased by busyness.
If you feel guilty about pausing.
We hope this work “Rest” can bring a small peace to your heart.
On Shourin Iwasaki’s Instagram, beyond this “Rest,” various works that resonate with the heart are displayed.
Powerful words, gentle words, words of encouragement, and words that convey stillness.
Each work delivers a different resonance to the viewer’s heart.
Calligraphy is an art that speaks to people’s hearts through characters.
Precisely because of our busy modern age, we may need time to touch the quiet world created by ink and brush.
Why not follow on Instagram and spend some peaceful time, a little removed from the daily clamor?
Shourin Iwasaki’s works will surely deliver moments of small rest to your heart.
Like taking a deep breath, facing a single piece of calligraphy—such luxurious time awaits you.
Rest for your heart.
We await you in the world of silence woven by ink.
＼ 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！ ／
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