Japanese calligraphy, or shodō, began as Chinese writing brought to Japan in the 2nd–3rd centuries, later branching into a uniquely Japanese art form by the Manyōgana era and flourishing in the Heian court under the “Three Brushes” masters. More than decorative writing, shodō is a spiritual discipline: its deliberate ink preparation and brush strokes cultivate mindfulness and self-reflection. Here, sweeping black ink meets pristine washi paper, creating landscapes of emotion and meaning.
For Tatsuki Tsujii, a third-generation shodō artist and founder of Japanesque Lab, calligraphy isn’t just heritage—it’s personal mission. Born into a family steeped in the craft, he balanced a career in strategic consulting with evenings devoted to brush and ink. “A piece of calligraphy contains many elements—the meaning of the word, the design of the letters, the density of the ink, the spirit of the artist.” (source)
Tatsuki carries forward his lineage with fresh vision. Inspired by his late father, Keiun Tsujii’s acclaim at major exhibitions in Paris, London, and beyond, Tatsuki launched the Keiun Tsujii Digital Museum to preserve and promote his father’s legacy. Now, for the very first time in Europe, Tatsuki will exhibit Keiun’s masterworks. This special collection, including the monumental folding screens “Sun Moon Rain Cloud” and “Dragon & Tiger”, each over two meters wide, reveal Keiun’s mastery of scale and his poetic interplay of ink and void. Presenting these foundational pieces in Utrecht marks a landmark moment for collectors and connoisseurs alike, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of modern Japanese calligraphy.
Step into this magical world of Japanese shodō at the Japanese Art Fair Utrecht and discover how ink, paper, and heart converge in a single, unforgettable moment. Each day (June 13–15, 2025), Tatsuki leads live calligraphy demonstrations, inviting collectors and art-lovers to witness the fluid craft in action and discuss bespoke commissions.
