Tag Archives: 書道アート

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

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””

夏至 (ge-shi) “summer solstice”

June 21st was the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. 夏 = summer 至 = arrive Whilst not an official holiday in Japan, it is nevertheless important as it is one of the “24 solar terms”. These 24 solar terms are mini seasons dating from ancient times, which reference the weather, agriculture, andContinueContinue reading “夏至 (ge-shi) “summer solstice””

梅雨 (tsu-yu) “the rainy season” (literally “plum rain”)

The Japanese rainy season usually lasts from early June to mid-July, just before it starts to become unbearably hot and humid in summer. It often rains non-stop all day. The kanji in this word are:梅 = plum雨 = rainAccording to Wikipedia, this name comes from China. When plums begin to fall during this period, theContinueContinue reading “梅雨 (tsu-yu) “the rainy season” (literally “plum rain”)”

Three Japanese place names

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”

芒種 (bō-shu) “Grain beards and seeds”

As well as having 4 seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter), in Japan the year can also be divided into 24 節気 (sekki), or solar terms. The solar terms include terms that are familiar to English-speakers, such as the solstices and equinoxes. They also include references to the weather, the temperature, and the beginning of theContinueContinue reading “芒種 (bō-shu) “Grain beards and seeds””

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

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”

水無月 (mi-na-tsuki) “The month of water”

Like many countries, Japan uses a 12-month calendar. The names are very simple. January is 一月 (ichi-gatsu, literally “Month one”), February is 二月 (ni-gatsu, “Month two”), etc. However, before the Meiji Restoration (mid-1800s) it was common to use an older 12-month system. These months’ names referenced the weather and the seasons (similar to the FrenchContinueContinue reading “水無月 (mi-na-tsuki) “The month of water””

渋味 (shibumi) “elegant simplicity”

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””