This year marks the centenary of the birth of award-winning calligrapher San'u Aoyama (1912-1993). Aoyama apprenticed under the noted calligrapher Yasushi Nishikawa and worked tirelessly to perfect his skills, while also learning about the Japanese classics.
Often described as a versatile calligrapher, Aoyama's approach to the art form was often unconventional and his works have been highly acclaimed worldwide. Aoyama also played an important role as an educator. Not only did he groom many promising young artists into professionals, but he also established a modern style calligraphy based on Chinese influences.
This retrospective of Aoyama's work also includes Chinese calligraphy pieces that the artist himself collected; till Sept. 9.
Tokyo National Museum; (03) 5405-8686; 13-9, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo; Ueno Station. JR Yamanote Line. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥1,400. Closed Mon. www.tnm.jp.