Birds Fly Freely in the Forest, Unconcerned with Human Presence

Originally from what is now Oamisirasato City, Chiba, Ishii Soseki was one of Japan’s most prominent calligraphers and seal engravers of the Showa era (1926–89). He began his formal training in seal engraving at age 34 while serving in the army, studying under Hamamura Zoroku V. After retiring from military service at 51, he devoted himself to seal engraving, reportedly carving over five thousand seals throughout his career. While his prewar work favored classical or highly elaborate styles, in his postwar creations he embraced bolder and more unrestrained expression. Soseki was also a scholar of Chinese poetry, and this work is engraved with a Chinese poem that is the title of this work. His renown grew in the postwar years as he created numerous official seals for entities such as the Supreme Court and the Governor of Chiba. This work, along with 86 others including One Smile Hundred Seals, is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture, housed in this museum’s collection. (U.M.)