Shikishi Calligraphy “Shigure Arau Momiji” by Taigen Kobayashi of Daitoku-ji Temple （大徳寺 小林太玄「時雨洗紅葉」色紙 書）

Shigure Arau Momiji (時雨洗紅葉)

“Shigure Arau Momiji” literally means,
“The autumn shower washes the crimson leaves.”

This poetic phrase evokes the image of late autumn, when gentle seasonal rain (shigure) falls upon the red maple leaves, deepening their color and clarity. In Zen and classical Japanese aesthetics, such imagery reflects impermanence, refinement, and quiet beauty.

Rather than diminishing the leaves, the rain enhances their brilliance—suggesting purification, renewal, and the quiet elegance found in transience.

This calligraphy is especially appropriate for autumn tea gatherings, particularly in November, when maple leaves reach their peak color. It brings a refined seasonal atmosphere to the tokonoma and enhances gatherings that celebrate the beauty of change.

「時雨洗紅葉」とは、

“時雨が紅葉を洗う” という意味を持つ、秋を象徴する詩的な語です。

晩秋に降る時雨が紅葉を濡らし、その色をいっそう鮮やかに引き立てる情景を表しています。
はかなさの中にある美しさや、清らかさを感じさせる、季節感豊かな言葉です。

特に紅葉の美しい晩秋（十月〜十一月頃）の茶会にふさわしく、
床の間に掛けることで、静かで趣深い秋の風情を演出します。

移ろいゆく季節の美を大切にする茶の湯の心に寄り添う一幅です。