“Fukuju” – Handwritten Tanzaku Calligraphy | Good Fortune & Longevity

“Fukuju” (福寿) – Original Handwritten Tanzaku by Zen Master Taigen Kobayashi

Calligrapher: Taigen Kobayashi (小林太玄)
Temple: Ōbai-in (黄梅院), Daitokuji Temple, Kyoto
Calligraphy: 福寿 (Fukuju) – Good Fortune & Longevity
Format: Tanzaku (Traditional Japanese Calligraphy Strip)
Origin: Kyoto, Japan

This beautiful tanzaku features original handwritten calligraphy by Zen Master Taigen Kobayashi, the former head priest of Ōbai-in, a subtemple of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto.

Meaning of “Fukuju” (福寿)

“Fukuju” combines two auspicious Japanese characters:

• 福 (Fuku): Good fortune, happiness, and blessings.

• 寿 (Ju): Longevity and a long, fulfilling life.

Together, they express a heartfelt wish for happiness, prosperity, and longevity.

This auspicious phrase is especially suitable for New Year and Hatsugama (the first tea gathering of the year), as well as celebratory tea gatherings and special occasions throughout the year.

About Zen Master Taigen Kobayashi (小林太玄)

Taigen Kobayashi is a respected Rinzai Zen Buddhist priest and former head priest of Ōbai-in (黄梅院), one of the historic subtemples of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto.

Daitokuji has a long and important connection with the Japanese tea ceremony, particularly through Sen no Rikyu and the traditions of the Sen family tea schools.

Taigen Kobayashi is widely known among tea ceremony practitioners for his expressive Zen calligraphy. His handwritten works often feature traditional Zen sayings, seasonal expressions, and auspicious phrases that are treasured for display in the tokonoma (alcove) of Japanese tea rooms.

His calligraphy reflects the simplicity, depth, and spiritual beauty of Zen philosophy, making it especially meaningful for practitioners of Chanoyu.

This elegant tanzaku is a wonderful addition to a tea room, bringing a sense of good fortune and celebration to any special gathering.

Made in Japan.