Iwasaki Tsuneo (1917-2002) was a Japanese scientist, teacher, and painter. He developed a practice that embeds calligraphy of the Buddhist Heart Sutra into visual compositions, often drawing on his scientific background.
Born in Kyoto
Moved to Handa, Aichi Prefecture
Matriculated in the Second Division of the First Normal University of Aichi Prefecture
Matriculated in the Agricultural Teacher Training Institute of Tokyo University, Faculty of Agriculture
Taught at the Prefectural Handa High Girls' School, then taught at Handa High School, Handa Business High School, and Handa Technical High School
As a formative member of the Japanese Academy of Sciences, engaged in the Serological study of "Silkworm Purulent Disease (virus)." During this period, he received four science grants from the Japanese Ministry of Education and made many academic presentations
Conscripted into military service, stationed in Rabaul until the end of the war. While serving as an Army Lieutenant, he engaged in research on a sweet potato pest, Agrius convolvuli (hawk-moth). He received an award for his study of moths
Engaged in research on guiding students through counseling and delivered numerous presentations on his research
Began studying calligraphy (and continued through 1999) under the tutelage of Dr. Hakutō Okamoto, Nitten Japan Art Exhibition Guide, Distinguished Professor at Aichi University of Education, and Standing Director of Gyokushinkai (Calligraphy Study Group)
Publication of Voices from the Footprints: Seeking the Source of Student Guidance(「あしあとの声: 生徒指導の原点を求めて」Ashiato no Koe: Seito Shidō no Genten o Motomete)
Retired as Head Teacher of Handa Technical High School
Began practicing scripture copying. Produced works of large-character sutras
Impressed upon seeing the work of Mr. Morishige Kuwamura in his Introduction to Decorative Sutra Copying: How to Create Beautiful Sutras (「装飾写経入門: 美しい写経の作り方」Sōshoku Shakyō nyūmon: Utsukushii Shakyō no Tsukurikata), entered the path of Intricate Sutra Copying and Buddha Copying
Calligraphy was selected for the Fourth Yomiuri Calligraphy Exhibition
Received Ministry of Education's Encouragement Award at the Yokkaichi Exhibition for his "One-Character, One-Buddha Reisho (Ancient Squared Character) Heart Sutra"
Submission to the Annual Japan Calligraphy Exhibition was recognized as exceptional
First solo exhibition of Intricate Sutra Copying and Buddha Copying at Handa City Museum
Retired as Lecturer from Handa Technical High School, Handa Business High School, East School, and Handa Tokoname Higher Nursing College
Second solo exhibition "Seeing the Heart Sutra, Intricate Sutra and Buddha Copying" at the Handa City Museum
Published exhibition catalogue, "Seeing the Heart Sutra"
Received Handa City Cultural Encouragement Award from the Handa City Cultural Association for creating unique Buddhist paintings with Intricate characters of the Heart Sutra
Third Exhibition of "Intricate Characters and Sutras to See the Heart Sutra," Nagoya City Museum
Published Seeing the Heart Sutra: Introduction to Intricate-Character Sutra Copying Paintings. 「般若心経を観る:細密字写経画入門」 Nichibō Publishing Company
Painted his magnum opus "Big Bang: E=mc²"
Passed away in April
All works copyright Estate of Iwasaki Tsuneo
Site design and implementation by Stephen Firrincieli in collaboration with Dr. Paula Arai