TAIZAN YANAGIDA “Syurin Senyoku” (戢鱗潜翼)
The fourth-generation head of the distinguished Yanagida family—renowned for leading Japan’s calligraphy world for over 200 years since the Edo period—Taizan Yanagida upholds the belief that kaisho (standard script) represents the deepest and most profound beauty, and serves as the foundation of all calligraphic styles. Guided by the conviction that a true calligrapher must master every script, he continues his dedicated pursuit of refinement each day.
Upon embarking on the path of calligraphy, he set forth a great vow to offer sacred sutra transcriptions to one hundred temples. Beginning with the dedication of the Hannya Rishu-kyō to Takahata Fudōson in 1994, he went on to present major works—each comprising between two to three thousand characters—to Senso-ji (the Kannon-kyō), Naritasan Shinshoji, Eiheiji, Ikegami Honmonji, and Kofukuji in Nara. This monumental undertaking was fulfilled over the course of more than thirty years.
The cultural exchange between the Yanagida family and China has continued for roughly a century, and in recognition of this lineage, Taizan Yanagida was invited as Japan’s representative calligrapher during the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao.
This work was rendered in kaisho—the ultimate expression of profound beauty and the foundation of all calligraphic styles—by Taizan Yanagida, one of the foremost authorities in Japan’s calligraphy world.
For its creation, the artist employed the finest examples of the four essential tools of calligraphy, known collectively as the Four Treasures of the Study (bunbō shihō): brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
The phrase “Syurin Senyoku” (戢鱗潜翼) conveys the meaning of “waiting calmly and steadfastly for the right moment, without haste or agitation.” It represents an ideal way of conduct and composure for human character.
The mounting was executed by Yokoyama Seiwadō in Kyoto, a government-certified First-Class Hyogu Master (表具技能士).
The piece is finished in the style of Kyōhyōgu, a traditional craft officially designated by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
1950 (Showa 25)
Born in Tokyo as the fourth son of calligrapher Taiun.
1960 (Showa 35)
At the age of ten, received the Prime Minister’s Award at the National Student Penmanship Competition.
1962 (Showa 37)
Received the Prime Minister’s Award at the All-Japan Student Calligraphy Exhibition.
1977 (Showa 52)
At the inaugural Yomiuri Shodo Exhibition, hosted by the Yomiuri Shimbun, received the highest honor—the Prime Minister’s Award.
1990 (Heisei 2)
Appeared with his father Taiun and mother Seiran on the Nippon TV program Time 21: “Eternal Bonds.”
1993 (Heisei 5)
Established the Taishokai, an association dedicated to promoting the Yanagida family’s calligraphic tradition.
1995 (Heisei 7)
Participated in planning support for the calligraphy exhibition of Honorary Kisei Shuko Fujisawa.
1998 (Heisei 10)
Handwrote and dedicated the Myōhō Rengekyō Kannon Bosatsu Fumonbon, Chapter 25 at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa.
2000 (Heisei 12)
Dedicated Kūkai: Sokushin Jōbutsu-gi to Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple.
2010 (Heisei 22)
Attended the “Meeting with Cultural Figures” during Premier Wen Jiabao’s official visit to Japan, and performed calligraphy on-site.
2018 (Heisei 30)
Received a Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his contributions to friendship and goodwill between Japan and China.
