The phrase “Shōju Sennen No Midori” signifies that the green color of pine leaves shall endure the long passage of a thousand years, without changing their color even a little bit. Often used on celebratory occasions, the phrase is originally derived from the words of a high priest in the Southern Song. Its true meaning says, “Many people chase after superficial beauty, but few pay attention to something that only becomes beautiful after a long period of time, like the green of pine tree.” It also contains the thought of a cautionary tale against the frivolous pursuit towards superficial beauty in-universe.

This work is a quite precious piece, in which a modern-day high priest Kobayashi Taigen is writing up the monk’s profound Zen words in a powerful calligraphic style.