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Description

山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888) Japanese antique art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 寒松肌骨鶴心情 One Line Calligraphy RC682

寒松肌骨鶴心情
Unyielding as a pine standing in winter, with a spirit as pure and noble as a crane.

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 'Yamaoka Takayuki' 山岡高歩 'Tesshu' 鉄舟

This hanging scroll presents a powerful one-line calligraphy reading 寒松肌骨鶴心情, a phrase expressing the ideal of an unyielding body like a pine standing firm through winter, and a spirit as pure, elevated, and noble as a crane. Executed with bold, dynamic brushwork, the calligraphy conveys a sense of inner discipline, moral strength, and quiet dignity, qualities closely associated with Zen and the samurai ethos. The strokes show confidence and immediacy, allowing the viewer to feel the artist’s state of mind at the moment of writing. The work bears the signature “Tesshū” and accompanying seals, and is attributed to Yamaoka Tesshū (1836–1888), a renowned samurai-calligrapher of the late Edo period. Please note that the area corresponding to the first character at the top of the composition is missing; this loss is clearly visible and should be regarded as part of the work’s present condition, though the remaining calligraphy retains strong presence and continues to powerfully convey the meaning and spirit of the original inscription.

Whole dimensions: 19.6" W x 75" H / 49.9cm x 191cm
Inside dimensions: 13" W x 52.9" H / 33.1cm x 134.4cm

Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Wood

Weight: 230g

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, DAMAGE, FOLD, WARP, STAIN 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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