The characters written in this work represent a quote from Isaiah 34 in the Old Testament. It continues, “…and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. It shall not be quenched night nor day […]” This passage describes a scene where people incur God’s wrath and are punished.

“Pitch,” that is, a black, viscous liquid derived from crude oil, akin to tar, indicates a catastrophic transformation of river water into this substance. The character “川” (river) is executed in an exaggerated size, with ink flowing thick and black. Likewise, the radical “木” (tree) in the first character of “樹脂” (pitch) is excessively saturated and enlarged, exuding a heavy presence as if to rival the character for “river.”

Ishikawa Kyuyoh’s relationship with Christianity dates back to his childhood, and although he maintained a certain distance in adulthood, its influence on his character is undeniable. As a creative source, it has inspired monumental works representative of each period, such as My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? (1972) and Words Poured Down Like Rain—a Personal Rendering of the Tale of Jesus (1975).

Ishikawa Kyuyoh (calligrapher; b.1945)

Born in Fukui Prefecture, Japan in 1945. Graduated from the Faculty of Law at Kyoto University. After serving as a professor at Kyoto Seika University and the director of the Institute for Writing and Civilizations, he is now an emeritus professor at the same university. Ishikawa has elucidated the concept that “calligraphy is the art of hisshoku (taction),” and interprets the structure and history of calligraphy. As a critic, he is also active in discussions on the Japanese language and culture, which have had a significant impact across various fields. In both his artistic creations and written works, Ishikawa continues to produce cutting-edge expressions and insights. His body of work includes over 2,000 calligraphic pieces and more than 100 published books.