Happy Long Life 2011

"Happy Long Life" is a 2011 work by Kazuaki Tanahashi, a Japanese calligrapher born in 1933. The artwork is a single, bold, and flowing stroke of red and orange paint, rendered in the style of Shodo, Japanese calligraphy, which focuses on expressing the essence of words and ideas. The calligraphy depicts the Chinese character for "longevity", a popular subject in East Asian art, expressing a wish for a long and prosperous life. Tanahashi's dynamic brushwork, known for its energy and fluidity, evokes a sense of movement and vitality.