“Zuiko” – Gold Calligraphy on Red Karakami Horizontal Hanging Scroll

“Zuiko” (瑞光) – Original Handwritten Hanging Scroll by Zen Master Daiki Tachibana

Calligrapher: Zen Master Daiki Tachibana (立花大亀)
Calligraphy: 瑞光 (Zuiko) – Auspicious Light
Style: Horizontal Hanging Scroll (Yokomono / 横物)
Paper: Red Karakami (紅唐紙)
Calligraphy Technique: Gold Pigment (Kindei / 金泥)
Origin: Kyoto, Japan

This elegant Japanese hanging scroll features the original handwritten calligraphy “Zuiko” (瑞光) by Zen Master Daiki Tachibana, beautifully rendered in gold pigment on rich red Karakami paper.

The brilliant gold calligraphy against the deep red background creates a refined and auspicious appearance, making this scroll especially suitable for celebratory tea gatherings.

Meaning of “Zuiko” (瑞光)

“Zuiko” (瑞光) means “Auspicious Light” or “Light of Good Fortune.”

• 瑞 (Zui): Auspicious, fortunate, or a sign of good things to come.

• 光 (Ko): Light, radiance, or illumination.

Together, the characters symbolize a radiant light that brings blessings, hope, and good fortune.

In Japanese Buddhist and Zen traditions, the phrase evokes the image of a sacred, auspicious light, suggesting spiritual brightness and the arrival of blessings.

The combination of gold calligraphy and red Karakami paper further emphasizes the celebratory meaning of the work.

This hanging scroll is particularly suitable for New Year, Hatsugama (the first tea gathering of the year), and other auspicious occasions.

About Zen Master Daiki Tachibana (立花大亀, 1899–2005)

Daiki Tachibana was a highly respected Rinzai Zen Buddhist priest associated with Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto.

He served as the head priest of Tokugen-in (徳源院), a subtemple of Daitokuji, and was widely admired for his Zen teachings and calligraphy.

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

Tachibana's calligraphy is highly valued among Chanoyu practitioners for its powerful brushwork and spiritual depth.

His works continue to be appreciated as important expressions of the close relationship between Zen Buddhism and the Way of Tea.

A distinguished hanging scroll for display in a traditional Japanese tea room or tokonoma (alcove).