This striking shikishi print artwork features a monochrome ink of a coiled snake rendered with dynamic brushstrokes and a flowing, calligraphic style. The brushwork blends power and restraint, creating a hypnotic rhythm that evokes the grace and stillness of a serpent in repose.
Titled "悠々" (Yūyū), which means "leisurely" or "serenely," the artwork reflects a meditative quality. The snake is an animal traditionally seen as a symbol of transformation, renewal, and protection—appears calm and composed, embodying the spirit of quiet power and timeless presence.
The printed card affixed to the back provides insight into the artist’s intent: The tranquil form of the snake, moving without disturbance, evokes that feeling. I sought to express a unique personality through the momentum of each brushstroke. With conscious intent and thought, I let my brush flow with kiin (spiritual resonance).
Yano Tetsushi (矢野徹志) from Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県), being an artist, he has several roles: potter (works in Tobe-yaki, 砥部焼), painter, writer. He refers to himself as a “jack-of-all-trades” (“何でも屋”). From 1970, he served as the first curator at the Ehime Prefectural Museum. In 1974, he became a teacher at the Tobe branch of Matsuyama Minami High School (愛媛県立松山南高等学校 砥部分校), and continued in that teaching role until 2001. To facilitate his creative work, he established Muzé Satoyamabō (ミュゼ里山房) a complex of atelier, workshop, gallery, and shop, as an art base in the Tobe area.
His art name (雅号) is 里山人 (Satoyamajin), which he uses for his pottery, illustrations, and writing.
Size: 24x27cm
