Ko (Filial Piety), 1961
"Ko (Filial Piety)" is a calligraphic work by Japanese artist Inoue Yuichi created in 1961, exemplifying his distinctive approach to modern abstract calligraphy. The single Chinese character ko, meaning filial piety or devotion, is rendered in bold, gestural brushstrokes that emphasize the dynamic movement and materiality of the ink rather than legibility. The work bridges traditional East Asian calligraphic practice with contemporary abstract expressionism, reflecting Inoue's philosophy of liberating calligraphy from purely representational concerns to create a purely expressive visual experience.
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Notes
LITERATURE Masaomi Unagami ed. Yu-ichi (Yu-ichi Inoue); Catalogue Raisonné of the Works, vol. 1,1949-1969. (Tokyo: Unac Tokyo, 1998). Plate 61071. Yuji Akimoto ed., “A Yu-ichi Inoue Retrospective: 1955-1985”, (General Incorporated Foundations World Paper Heritage Support Foundation Kamimori, 2016). Pp.92, ref. CR61071 Kei Takahashi, "YUICHI INOUE: the Creative Journey of a Calligraphy Innovator," Arts of Asia Autumn 2025, Speical Japanese Issue (2025). Pp. 35, fig. 4. EXHIBITED 'A Centennial Exhibition INOUE Yu-ichi', 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa , 2 January 2 - 21 March, 2016. exh. cat. pp. 92 Conditions of sale Brought to you by Takaaki Murakami (村上高明) Vice President, Specialist and Head of Department | Japanese and Korean Art Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this TMURAKAMI@CHRISTIES.COM +1 212 636 2160 VIEW CONDITION REPORT
🔨 Auction Lot
Japanese and Korean Art
March 24, 2026
Estimate: $25,000 – $35,000
Lot 17
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