Nagata Kōi 永田耕衣 (1900–1997) – Zen Calligraphy with Seal, Exhibition Work 1955 (Shōwa era)

Nagata Kōi (永田耕衣, 1900–1997) – one of the most important modern haiku poets and calligraphers of Japan.
This original calligraphy sheet was created in May 1955 (Shōwa 30) and shown at the Nagata Kōi Calligraphy Exhibition.

The flowing sumi ink lines carry a Zen-inspired meditation on life and death:
“To live as it comes, to die as it comes — whether for a hundred days or a hundred years, that is the essence.”

Artist: Nagata Kōi (永田耕衣, 1900–1997) – art-name (gō) “Kōi”

Date: May 1955 (Shōwa era)

Medium: sumi ink on handmade washi paper

Size: approx. 11 × 16 cm

Seal: 石堂 (Sekidō), one of the artist’s creative seals

Provenance: original exhibition label on reverse (作品 G17, dated May 1955)

Condition: very good, light signs of age only

Nagata Kōi’s works are preserved in major Japanese museums and are rarely available on the international market. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic exhibition piece by a leading modern haiku poet-calligrapher.

Secure shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

---
✨ If you love vintage Japanese art — scrolls, shikishi, paintings, calligraphy, oshi-e, posters and prints by 20th–21st century artists — visit our other gallery: https://japanesearty.etsy.com.
📷 Please note: antique and vintage pieces may show signs of age like stains, folds or wear. We do our best to show all details in the photos, but colors may vary slightly. Feel free to ask for extra pictures!
📦 All artworks are carefully packed in sturdy cardboard envelopes or tubes to ensure safe delivery.
☎️ Please provide your phone number at checkout — couriers often need it for delivery.
❓ Any questions? Just send us a message — we’re happy to help!