This work interprets a quote from the section “Cypress Boat” in the Odes of Bei chapter of the Shijing (the Classic of Poetry), one of the Five Classics. Combined with the next line in the text, the phrase translates as “My heart is not a stone; it cannot be turned.” Generally, this passage is interpreted to mean that, unlike a stone that can but turned at will, the heart of the speaker is strong and will not yield to anything. However, it also implies that it is not easy to change the ways of a heart, thereby expressing the sorrow that comes with the realization of this truth.

Here, Ishikawa has rendered the same phrase in entirely different calligraphic styles and forms. One piece features an extreme version of the flying white style, where the fractured brushstrokes create the faint appearance of the characters. The other piece, with its fluid brushstrokes crossing the paper, depicts only the “口” part of the final character “石” with a rough, rotating motion, giving the impression of a rapid swirl. Although these two pieces are independent works, they can be viewed as either contrasting or complementary, reflecting Ishikawa’s meticulous dedication to the significance of each individual work.

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 brush touch (using the term '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.