During his first visit to Japan, Tagore was deeply moved by the scenery and people.

He was also impressed by the profound spirituality and high technical artistry of Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) especially when he saw Yoroboshi by Shimomura Kanzan, which had been exhibited at the 2nd Revival Inten Exhibition in 1915.

This calligraphy is believed to have been in the possession of Kanzan. The box bears Kanzan’s inscription, “Gurudev Tagore.” It is presumed that Tagore gifted Kanzan with this piece when they met.

It subsequently came into the possession of Ogura Yuki, a Nihonga painter and fellow member of the Japan Art Institute (Nihon bijutsu-in). She treasured this calligraphy displaying it in her home for many years.

The English passage reads:
　　Lead me from the unreal
　　to the real,
　　from darkness
　　to light,
　　from death
　　to deathlessness
　　　　—– Rabindranath Tagore

This quote reveals Tagore’s philosophy on rebirth and being.

Between 1916 and 1918, Arai Kampō spent time with the Tagore family in India, deepening both real artistic exchanges and personal bonds with them. This scroll was a gift from Rabindranath Tagore to Kampō as a token of farewell. It is a beautiful piece of calligraphy, written with Japanese brush and ink, featuring a poem by Tagore.

　To Mr. Kampō Arai
　　My beloved friend,
　　One day you came to my room
　　As a guest —–
　　Today, at the time of parting,
　　You have come into the innermost depths of my heart
　　　　 The 25th Boishakh, 1325 by the Bengali Calendar
　　　　 Rabindranath Tagore
　　　(Translated into Japanese by Azuma Kazuo)