Taiku Tokuno (徳野 大空, Tokuno Taiku, March 9, 1914 – June 12, 1974) was a calligrapher from Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, and a significant figure in the contemporary calligraphy world. His real name was Teruo Tokuno (徳野 輝雄, Tokuno Teruo). Biography and Activities: Birth and Early Studies: Born in 1914 in Usui-gun, Gokan Village, Gunma Prefecture (present-day Shimo-Gokan, Annaka City), he studied under Shinkai Handa. After graduating from Gunma Normal School, he worked at Akima Elementary School and later deepened his interest in calligraphy by attending summer courses at a calligraphy academy. Mentorship and Awards: In 1935, he went to Tokyo and studied under Tenrai Hidai. After Tenrai's death, he studied under Ukyo Teshima and received the highest award at the Dai-Nihon Shodo-in Exhibition in 1940. In 1943, he received the Prime Minister's Award at the Japan-Manchukuo-China Three-Nation Exhibition. Post-War Activities: After the war, he served as a judge for the Japan Calligraphy Art Institute Exhibition. In 1949, he was one of the first recipients of the Special Selection Award in the calligraphy section at the Nitten Exhibition, leading the post-war calligraphy world. Research and Creation: In 1958, he began researching wool brushes and created works such as "Gyokuhin," "Gyuho," and "Gencho-hitsu." In 1961, he began researching ink and produced blue ink with gold powder. Founding of the Gencho Society: In 1967, he founded the calligraphy organization "Gencho-kai" (玄潮会), aiming to create contemporary calligraphy based on classical works. Later Activities: He served as a lecturer at calligraphy workshops throughout the country, contributing to the spread of calligraphy. Mounting Dimensions (including roller ends) ★ Approximately 51 x 208 cm Paper Dimensions ★ Approximately 34 x 134 cm ・There are stains and some yellowing. ・Please note that there may be slight differences in color between the images and the actual item. ・If you hang paintings, etc., on the wall after purchase, please check the strength of the cords and hardware carefully before hanging them. We also recommend checking periodically to ensure that the strength has not deteriorated. ・Please take a good look at the images and understand that this is a used item before purchasing. ※Regarding works with the name of a specific artist in the product title of art objects. 【Genuine】Works that can be guaranteed as genuine. If a work is judged to be a forgery by a public appraisal institution within 90 days of purchase, we will refund the purchase price upon return of the work. The buyer is responsible for appraisal fees and other expenses. 【Copy】All works that are suspected of not being genuine are labeled as copies. Please confirm the above before purchasing.