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Description

山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888) Japanese antique art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 君子交淡如水 One Line Calligraphy RC626

君子交淡如水
The friendship of a man of virtue is as calm and steady as water.

山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888)
A famous samurai of the Bakumatsu period, who played an important role in the Meiji Restoration. The founder of the Itto Shoden Muto-ryu school of swordsmanship. Brother-in-law of Takahashi Deishu. Together with Katsu Kaishu and Takahashi Deishu, he is known as one of the Three Shu (Sanshu) of the Bakumatsu Period. During the Boshin War, he met Saigo Takamori as an emissary of Katsu Kaishu and paved the way for the opening of Edo Castle. He mastered the three arts of swordsmanship, Zen, and calligraphy. It is said that he wrote a million sheets of calligraphy during his lifetime because he never refused to write if people asked him to.

with signature 'Tesshu' 鉄舟 and seal 'Fujiwara Takayuki' 藤原高歩 ' Go Tesshu' 號鉄舟

This hanging scroll features a single-line calligraphy by Yamaoka Tesshū (1836–1888), a renowned samurai, Zen practitioner, and master of swordsmanship and calligraphy. The phrase written is:
君子交淡如水
“The friendship of a man of virtue is as calm and steady as water.”
Originating from classical Chinese philosophy (Zhuangzi), this phrase expresses the ideal of noble friendship — one that is free from superficiality, emotional excess, or self-interest. Like water, such relationships are clear, balanced, and enduring, grounded in mutual respect rather than sentimentality. Tesshū’s brushwork embodies the Zen spirit: spontaneous yet controlled, powerful yet unadorned. His calligraphy is celebrated for its directness and spiritual depth, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of inner clarity and martial discipline. The scroll is presented without its original box, but retains strong aesthetic and philosophical presence, ideal for collectors of Zen calligraphy and Meiji-period literati art.

Whole dimensions: 18.8" W x 76.2" H / 47.8cm x 193.6cm
Inside dimensions: 12.9" W x 53.5" H / 32.8cm x 136cm

Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Bone (DAMAGE)

Weight: 280g

Condition

Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: STAIN, CREASE, FOLD, WARP, STAIN DAMAGE in the back of the mounting.

About the colors of the photos

The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.

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