Looking back to 2012, we revisit a project deeply rooted in tradition and the spiritual heart of Chosho Yabe’s hometown, Kawagoe.
The Challenge: Ink on Wood
We were entrusted with a sacred task by Kawagoe Hachimangu, a historic shrine that has watched over the city for centuries. The commission was to calligraph the signboard for the entrance of their Assembly Hall (Sanshuden).
Unlike writing on Washi paper, this project required writing directly onto a massive, single plank of natural wood. This presents a unique set of challenges for a calligrapher:
- Unforgiving Nature: There are no second chances. A single mistake would ruin the precious material.
- The Grain: The ink interacts with the wood grain, absorbing differently than it does on paper. The brush must move with absolute certainty and adaptability.
A Timeless Welcome
The resulting work, “Kawagoe Hachimangu Sanshuden,” stands vertically at the entrance. The rich warmth of the natural wood contrasts beautifully with the sharp, dignified black ink. It is a design that embodies “Wabi-Sabi”—simple, natural, and profoundly beautiful—welcoming visitors with a sense of peace and reverence.
Yabe Chosho Office
