In Rising Sun, Flag of Death II, a bold, circular form in black ink appears to be topped by additional ink shapes looming above, complemented by harsh, scratchy-looking lines. The work reflects a deep-seated awareness of the issue of war, where individual lives are threatened in the name of a nation symbolized by its flag. This concern is deeply rooted in Ishikawa Kyuyoh’s work and remains a consistent theme, as seen in his recent piece Amidst a European War (2023).

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.