calligraphy commissions – Calligraphy by Vicky

心技体 (shin-gi-tai) “mind, body, spirit”

A Japanese calligraphy work of three kanji characters, black ink on white card, with a red enso, in a black frame.

This was a calligraphy commission for a martial arts practitioner to use as a wall decoration and also as a tattoo design. Students of Japanese will notice that it doesn’t exactly say “mind, body, spirit”. This is because although this phrase is common in English, it’s a little different in Japanese. Happily there is aContinueContinue reading “心技体 (shin-gi-tai) “mind, body, spirit””

Three Japanese place names

An A3 landscape Japanese calligraphy work, of 6 characters, black ink on white card.

This was a commission for client who spent a wonderful year living in Japan and wanted to remember the place where she lived. She lived in the small town of 波方 Namikata, which is in the municipality of 今治 Imabari, which is in the prefecture of 愛媛 Ehime. Japanese addresses are written with the largestContinueContinue reading “Three Japanese place names”

自動販売機 (ji-dō-han-bai-ki) vending machine

A 5-character Japanese calligraphy work on a hanging scroll

This was a commission for the customer to give as a gift to his wife as a memory of their vacation in Japan. Needless to say, Japanese vending machines made a big impression on them! Which is not surprising because Japan takes vending machines to a whole other level. Things you can buy from aContinueContinue reading “自動販売機 (ji-dō-han-bai-ki) vending machine”

渋味 (shibumi) “elegant simplicity”

a framed 2-character Japanese calligraphy artwork

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. YouContinueContinue reading “渋味 (shibumi) “elegant simplicity””

縁 (en) “destined (to be together)”

A framed Japanese calligraphy work of the character "en".

縁 (en) can refer to destiny in general, but it often has romantic connotations…. something like “star-crossed lovers”, destined to be together for all eternity. This work was a wedding gift.

偶然 (gū-zen) “coincidence”

A calligraphy commission for a friend who very much believes in fate. If you would like to commission a unique Japanese calligraphy work, feel free to check out my Purchase a Work page to take a look at the options and prices.

翔 “to soar” 🦅

A Japanese calligraphy work of one character, black ink on white card

A commission for a friend who enjoys gliding 🛬 If you know someone who would like a unique gift, feel free to contact me about commissioning a calligraphy artwork. You can find more details here: https://calligraphybyvicky.co.uk/commission-a-work/#custom

痛みは避けられない… (pain is inevitable, but suffering depends on you!)

A Japanese calligraphy work of four horizontal lines of kanji characters, black ink on white.

痛みは避けられないでも苦しみは自分次第だ！ Pain is inevitable but suffering depends on you! This Buddhist-inspired quote is by the famous Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, from his book on how he uses Buddhist teachings to live a good life. It’s one of my housemate’s favourite phrases. This work was my birthday present to him a few yearsContinueContinue reading “痛みは避けられない… (pain is inevitable, but suffering depends on you!)”

ウサギちゃん (usagi-chan) “bunny” 🐰(actually “bnuy”…. or maybe “bnuny”…???)

A Japanese calligraphy work on a hanging scroll

This was a commission for the client to give as a gift to a friend who likes the word “bunny”… but often intentionally misspells it “bnuy” or “bnuny”. I had to think how to interpret an English misspelling in Japanese. Eventually I came up with the following solution: “rabbit” = 「ウサギ」 (“usagi”) 2. Putting 「ちゃん」ContinueContinue reading “ウサギちゃん (usagi-chan) “bunny” 🐰(actually “bnuy”…. or maybe “bnuny”…???)”

和気藹々 (wa-ki-ai-ai) “happy friendly atmosphere”

A 4-character Japanese calligraphy work on a yellow hanging scroll, the ink is black and gold.

My housemate wanted some calligraphy for our house. He asked for a phrase which relates to people coming together and having a good time. I asked my Japanese teacher for such a phrase and she recommended this 4-character idiom. Loosely translated, it means “full of a happy friendly atmosphere when people gather together”. 和 =ContinueContinue reading “和気藹々 (wa-ki-ai-ai) “happy friendly atmosphere””