3. His Life, Part Two — His Wife Take, and Living National Treasure

One person must never be forgotten when we speak of what sustained Shodo's journey: his wife, Take. Take was a well-educated woman — wise, and deeply devout. Their marriage faced strong opposition, but the two would not bend from their resolve, and chose to walk through life together. Their life after marriage was by no means comfortable. Even so, Take worked to earn a living, kept the household, encouraged Shodo when he struggled in his work, and even went out to promote and sell his pieces. Truly, she bore upon herself the whole role of the devoted supporter behind the scenes. When Shodo was designated a Living National Treasure, it was Take's selfless support that people praised first. In 1944, Shodo evacuated to Sado to escape the war, and it was here that he saw the war come to an end. After the war, he also took up pottery, and during that period he completed one of his masterpieces, the Cast-Bronze Zuicho Ornament. This work won the highest award, and was also adopted as decoration for the Seiden, the State Hall of the new Imperial Palace. In 1960, he was designated a Holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property of lost-wax casting — a Living National Treasure — and Shodo's artistic life reached a great summit. The certificate attesting to that honor is displayed here. Shodo's life was a path of art: through setbacks and steady effort, he kept cultivating rich learning and superb technique. And above all, it was the unwavering devotion of his wife Take that sustained that journey, and made it shine.