The weight of time contained in a single brushstroke.
The moment ink touches paper, countless stories stretching from past to future dwell within it.
When we stand before the work “history” by calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki, we witness something far beyond two simple Chinese characters.
The brushwork is powerful yet flowing.
The white space visible within the faded lines seems to express the very passage of time itself.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
The Depth Carried by the Word “History”
History is not merely a record of past events.
This word encompasses the footprints humanity has walked, the wisdom we have accumulated, and our signposts toward the future.
The character “歴” originally means “to pass through” or “to traverse,” representing the passage through time and space.
“史” signifies a recorder or scribe, indicating the role of transmitting events to future generations.
In other words, “history” is all the stories that have been recorded and passed down through time.
Onko-chishin—warming the old to know the new.
By learning history, we gain wisdom to forge our future.
As the saying “the overturned cart ahead serves as a warning to the cart behind” shows, past experiences become lessons for the future.
The Calligrapher’s Spirit Dwelling in Each Brushstroke
Looking at Shourin Iwasaki’s work, one senses a distinctive rhythm in his brushwork.
In the character “歴,” strength and momentum dwell in the sweeping strokes, as if expressing the dynamic flow of time itself.
Meanwhile, the character “史” possesses a solid stability, conveying the weight of something meant to remain as a record for posterity.
In calligraphy, the balance between white and black is extremely important.
In this work, the gradations and fading of the ink are exquisitely arranged, bringing the white space to life.
That very white space evokes the countless untold stories, the lives of people that went unrecorded.
The vermillion seal stamped in the lower left serves to anchor the entire composition.
By adding vivid red to the world of black and white, life is breathed into the work, generating a powerful sense of existence here and now, transcending time.
The Message Beyond Words That Calligraphy Conveys
In our increasingly digital modern age, the warmth of handwritten characters holds special value.
Unlike text typed on computers or smartphones, calligraphic works contain the writer’s breathing, their state of mind in that moment, even the tension in the hand gripping the brush.
There is something in the characters “history” written by Shourin Iwasaki that transcends mere literal meaning.
It is reverence for the very concept of history, awe for the flow of time continuing from past to future, and perhaps an awakening to the preciousness of living in this present moment.
Keiou-kairai—inheriting the past and opening the future.
Through the traditional art of calligraphy, Shourin Iwasaki continues to convey timeless beauty and spirituality to those of us living in the modern era.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter
An encounter with a calligraphic work is truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Even when writing the same characters, the same work can never be created twice.
The temperature and humidity of that day, the condition of the brush, the state of the writer’s heart—all influence the work.
On Shourin Iwasaki’s Instagram, he shares such works daily.
Please see for yourself the thoughts embedded in each piece, discoveries made during the creative process, and the profound depths of the art of calligraphy.
The fragrance of ink, the texture of paper, the sound of brush touching paper—the charms of calligraphy that digital cannot fully convey are there.
Yet works viewed through a screen should also bring new emotions.
Why not touch the world of Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy and experience the Japanese aesthetic sensibility that has been inherited over a thousand years?
Follow @iwasaki_shourin and please enjoy the continuation of stories woven in 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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