渋味 (shibumi) is a word which is a little difficult to translate directly. It’s more of a vibe than a meaning.
My dictionary says: “austere elegance; elegant simplicity; subdued style; quiet taste; refinement”.
It’s also the name of a Florence-based men’s fashion boutique, where this artwork is displayed.
This was my very first commission.
You may have noticed that the first kanji 渋 (shibu) is written a little differently in the photo. This is a more complex obsolete form which is rarely used in everyday life, but is still used by calligraphy artists. The only time I’ve seen it in “real life” is on the front of a 1920s train in a museum. The train was for 渋谷 (Shibuya).
Calligraphy by Vicky 