Calligraphy Work "Gashin Shōtan"

A work by momo.shodo618.

臥薪嘗胆 (Gashin Shōtan)
To strive and endure hardship to achieve one's goals.
(Literally: sleeping on firewood and tasting bile.)

This phrase originates from a story about reviewing a Chinese idiom. It's a tale from the Spring and Autumn period in China.
Fuchai, whose father was killed by Goujian, slept on firewood to ignite his desire for revenge and ultimately avenged his father.
Later, Goujian, who had been defeated, hung a gallbladder (bile) in his room and tasted it. The bitterness reminded him of the shame of his defeat, and he eventually destroyed Fuchai. This is the story behind the idiom. In modern times, the phrase is used to mean achieving one's goals through perseverance.

The seal, 引首印 (Inshuin), reads:
抉吾目、懸東門。以観越兵之滅呉。

Gouge out my eyes and hang them on the East Gate. I want to watch the soldiers of Yue destroy Wu.

These are the words of Wu Zixu, who served Fuchai. He uttered them when Fuchai ordered him to commit suicide.

I hope this piece reaches those who have something they wish to accomplish.

Size: Half-sheet paper, ½ size.

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