From the New Year, Suikoku Yamanaka’s large-character work “Ekiju,” which won the top honor—the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award—at last year’s 76th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition (organized by The Mainichi Newspapers and the Mainichi Shodokai), has been on display in the show window in front of Mainichi Hall on the first basement level.
Yamanaka was born in 1950. He serves as a director of the Mainichi Shodokai and chair of the Independent Calligraphers Association. The MEXT Award is the highest prize, chosen from all works in the exhibition, from officers’ pieces to open submissions. The title comes from the Book of Han and means “to live a long life”; it is also said to be a cheer sent to a friend in treatment.
Alongside “Ekiju” is another large work by Yamanaka, “Junshin.” Its source is the Book of Songs; the meaning is said to be that a compliant, sincere heart helps a person grow. Both works remain on view through March.