TAIZAN YANAGIDA “Longevity Poem” (壽詩)
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.
The four essential tools of calligraphy, known as the Four Treasures of the Study—the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—were all selected from the finest quality materials for the creation of this work.
The author of this poem, Lord Jiajing, refers to the Jiajing Emperor of the Ming dynasty in China. He was the twelfth emperor of the Ming dynasty, also known by his temple name, Emperor Shizong. The poem is believed to have been composed to celebrate the birth of his son.
Creating a fan-mounted work in regular script (kaisho) with such a large number of characters is an exceptionally demanding endeavor. Regardless of the format, a truly beautiful work of regular script can only be achieved through the meticulous pursuit of character forms that harmonize perfectly with the given surface.
The mounting of this piece was undertaken by Yokoyama Seiwado of Kyoto, a government-certified first-class mounting craftsman.
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.
