11-Manifest Clarity
- Transcript
- Born in Tokyo, Japan, Arai Kofu is a prominent contemporary calligrapher. Since 1964, he has studied under Nishikawa Yasushi, and in 1972, he received the “Nishikawa Shundō Memorial Award” at the Kenshin Calligraphy Society Exhibition, marking a significant turning point in his artistic pursuits.
Arai’s works often center around the large seal bronze script, with a focus on the fluidity and versatility of the brush. In this piece, the two characters “Xian Ming” (meaning “illuminated clarity”) are arranged in a geometric structure characteristic of bronze inscriptions—his brushstrokes, varying in weight and rhythm. The ink transitions seamlessly from rich to dry, with occasional splatters that add spontaneous vigor to the composition. The lines are bold yet never sluggish, conveying the majestic power of large-scale calligraphy and embodying the monumental presence of the ancient script.
ARAI Kofu
Back to homepage
Back