Black ink dances across Japanese paper.
Lines drawn without a moment’s hesitation convey a strong will, as if reaching out to grasp something precious.
Today, I’m introducing the calligraphy work “Recapture” by calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
The Power of the Word “Recapture”
“Recapture” means to take back what has been taken away.
It represents the strong determination and action to regain what was lost.
This word carries more than just the meaning of physically recovering something.
It embodies the profound act of reclaiming lost parts of ourselves, forgotten dreams, and hopes we were about to give up on—precious things we want to hold in our hands once more.
While commonly used in phrases like “hostage recapture” or “territorial recapture,” for those of us living in modern times, it can also be interpreted as “recapturing the heart” or “reclaiming one’s authenticity.”
Our true selves, nearly lost in the busyness of daily life.
Our original feelings, left behind somewhere while being swayed by societal expectations and others’ evaluations.
The quiet yet unwavering determination to reclaim these—such a message seems to resonate from this work.
Vitality Dwelling in the Brush
Shourin Iwasaki’s “Recapture” is a work that preserves traditional calligraphy techniques while breathing with contemporary sensibility.
The strength infused in each stroke, from the entry to the sweep of the brush.
Yet never losing a certain elegance in the brushwork.
The rhythm created by the gradation of ink resonates within the viewer like a heartbeat.
What I’d particularly like you to notice is the “大” (large) component within the character “奪” (seize).
The broadly extended sweeps convey a sense of dynamism, as if both hands are opening wide to grasp something.
And in the character “還” (return), one can feel the movement of surely drawing it back, bringing it home.
The story born from these two characters standing side by side.
What was lost is now returning—a moment filled with such hope is crystallized in this work.
Bringing the Power of Calligraphy into Your Daily Life
Calligraphy is not merely about writing characters beautifully.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime art form that contains the calligrapher’s heart, the feelings of that moment, and a message for the viewer.
On Shourin Iwasaki’s Instagram (@iwasaki_shourin), he shares various calligraphy works daily, including “Recapture.”
You can view his diverse creative activities, from seasonal words and resonant single characters to works expressing contemporary messages through calligraphy.
By following him, new “encounters with words” will arrive in your timeline each day.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！ ／
Online Shop Now Open
Furthermore, we are pleased to announce the opening of an online shop on STORES where you can acquire Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy works.
We offer a variety of calligraphy works, from powerful pieces like “Recapture” to gentle words that nestle close to daily life.
Whether displayed in your home or given as a gift to someone special, these works will surely become memorable pieces.
Words have power.
And when those words are expressed through calligraphy, they transcend mere characters to become living energy.
Why not begin your journey to “recapture” what you’ve been losing, together with Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy works?
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
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