壽 means longevity. It conveys the wish for a long and healthy life, often associated with blessings, good fortune, and vitality.
Original calligraphy shikishi by Seibo Kitamura 北村 西望 (1884-1987) famous Japanese sculptor. He is known as the sculptor of the 10-meter-tall Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park. He is most often referred to as "Seibo".
He graduated from there in 1907 and immediately enrolled in the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. Kitamura has received numerous other local and national awards for his work throughout his lifetime. He died on 4 March 1987 in Tokyo at the age of 102. Many of his works can be viewed at Shimabara Castle, where the yagura is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
