Sho Chiku Bai are words symbolizing happiness in Japan. The legend is that since the Song Dynasty, literary people in China gathered together in the winter and displayed pictures of these three plants called “The Three Friends of Winter,” as a reminder of the summer’s green. Often a pair of these decorations are placed in front of Japanese homes as a welcome from mid-December through the beginning of January. The bamboo, pine and tree sprigs represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness.

Here is Sensei’s calligraphy celebrating these words of happiness and hope. * Words of celebration in Japan, the name of a popular sake. Black ink on paper scroll.