Four works by Hoson Ando, a leading master of kokuji—the art of carving characters into wooden boards—are now on display in the Mainichi Shodokai (Mainichi Calligraphy Association) show window on the first floor of the Palaceside Building. The exhibition runs through the 3rd of next month.
Born in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, in 1951, Ando became interested in calligraphy in junior high school. Studying at Tsuru University in Yamanashi Prefecture under the calligrapher and kokuji artist Kan'o Watanabe, he fell under the spell of the carved form. In 2007 he received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, the top honor at the 59th Mainichi Shodo Exhibition, sponsored by The Mainichi Newspapers and others. He currently serves as chairman of the Japan Kokuji Association.
The exhibition features two carved works and two brush-written pieces. The carved works, cut into wooden boards, are large and sculptural, and their painted coloring gives them a commanding presence. It is a fine chance to savor the appeal of kokuji, often described as “calligraphy as art.”