via the following e-mail address: info@nohara.be

You can use this for additional information, make an appointment to choose a subject and design together, and finally to collect your work of art.

 I charge 455euros for a small work (max. 33x24cm) and 70 euros for a larger format (60x40cm).  For this you have a unique work of art, made with only Japanese quality materials. Study, preliminary design, execution and finally finishing with back paper take at least two hours of work

You can ask yourself what is an important concept, a beautiful idea, or an essential human value for you. Or you can look for a kanji with a beautiful shape, which hopefully also has a beautiful meaning for you. There are about five thousand words available in a Japanese calligraphic dictionary. To help you get started, here is a list of about one hundred kanji for inspiration:

 

1. Weather and seasons

• Winter: 冬 (fuyu), 雪 (yuki), 氷 (kōri)
• Spring: 春 (haru), 桜 (sakura)
• Summer: 夏 (natsu), 海 (umi)
• Autumn: 秋 (aki), 月 (tsuki)
• Rain: 雨 (ame)
• Snow: 雪 (yuki)
• Wind: 風 (kaze)
• Sun: 日 (hi)
• Dew: 露 (tsuyu)
• Mist: 霧 (kiri)

Winter: Winter can be used to represent the cold, still beauty of winter.

Spring: Spring can be used to symbolize the new growth and hope of spring.

Summer: Summer can be used to capture the heat, light, and liveliness of summer.

Autumn: Autumn can be used to describe the peace, beauty, and melancholy of autumn.

Rain: Rain can be used to emphasize the softness, peace, and beauty of rain.

Snow: Snow can be used to represent the beauty and serenity of winter. It can also be used to express feelings of silence, peace, and tranquility.

Wind: Wind can be used to represent the power and energy of nature. It can also be used to express feelings of freedom, adventure, and change.

Sun: The sun can be used to represent the warmth and light of life. It can also be used to express feelings of hope, optimism, and new beginnings.

Dew: Dew can be used to represent the fragility and beauty of life. It can also be used to express feelings of impermanence, renewal, and hope.

Mist: Mist can be used to emphasize the mysterious, elusive beauty of mist.

 

2. Animals

• Animal: 動物 (dōbutsu)
• Dog: 犬 (inu)
• Cat: 猫 (neko)
• Bird: 鳥 (tori)
• Fish: 魚 (sakana)
• Cow: 牛 (ushi)
• Horse: 馬 (uma)
• Elephant: 象 (zō)
• Tiger: 虎 (tora)
• Deer: 鹿 (shika)

Animal: Animals can be used to represent the diversity of the animal kingdom.

Dog: Dogs can be used to represent the loyalty and devotion of dogs.

Cat: Cats can be used to represent the independence and curiosity of cats.

Bird: Birds can be used to represent the beauty and freedom of birds.

Fish: Fish can be used to represent the elegance and grace of fish.

Cow: Cows can be used to represent the strength and endurance of cows.

Horse: Horses can be used to represent the speed and elegance of horses.

Elephant: Elephants can be used to represent the wisdom and strength of elephants.

Tiger: Tigers can be used to represent the strength and courage of tigers.

Deer: Deer can be used to represent happiness, fertility, and harmony.

 

3. Human traits

• Love: 愛 (ai)
• Joy: 喜び (yorokobi)
• Sadness: 悲しみ (kanashimi)
• Anger: 怒り (ikari)
• Peace: 平和 (heiwa)
• Courage: 勇気 (yūki)
• Mercy: 慈悲 (jihi)
• Wisdom: 賢さ (kenasa)
• Perseverance: 忍耐 (nintai)
• Calmness: 冷静 (reiji)

Love: Love can be used to represent the power and beauty of love.

Joy: Joy can be used to celebrate the joy of life.

Sadness: Sadness can be used to express the grief of loss.

Anger: Anger can be used to show the power of anger.

Peace: Peace can be used to express the desire for a peaceful world.

Courage: Courage can be used to emphasize the strength of the human spirit.

Mercy: Mercy can be used to show the compassion of humanity.

Wisdom: Wisdom can be used to emphasize the power of the intellect.

Perseverance: Perseverance can be used to emphasize the strength of the human spirit.

Calmness: Calmness can be used to symbolize a sense of peace and stability 

 

4. Religion and Phylosophy

• Zen: 禅 (zen), 悟り (satori), 無 (mu)
• Shinto: 神道 (shintō), 自然 (shizen), 神 (kami)
• Boeddhism: 仏教 (bukkyō), 悟り (satori), 涅槃 (nirvāna)
• Phylosophy: 人生 (jinsei), 生きる意味 (ikiru imi), 幸せ (shiawase)
• Death: 死 (shi), 輪廻転生 (rin'nōtensei), 永遠 (eien)
• Nature: 自然 (shizen), 美 (bi), 調和 (chōwa)
• Love: 愛 (ai), 慈悲 (jihi), 悟り (satori)
• Peace: 平和 (heiwa), 調和 (chōwa), 慈悲 (jihi)
• Wisdom: 賢さ (kenasa), 知恵 (chie), 悟り (satori)
• The way, the path 道 (dō) 

Zen (禅) can be used to emphasize the simplicity and beauty of life.

Shinto (神道) can be used to celebrate the power and beauty of nature.

Buddhism (仏教) can be used to represent the search for enlightenment and freedom.

Life philosophy (人生) can be used to contemplate the meaning of life.

Death (死) can be used to symbolize the cycle of life and death.

Nature (自然) can be used to emphasize the beauty and harmony of nature.

Love (愛) can be used to emphasize the power and beauty of love.

Peace (平和) can be used to express the wish for a peaceful world.

Wisdom (賢) can be used to emphasize the power of the intellect.

The Way (道) can be used to refer to a broad range of concepts, such as the path to enlightenment or the way of life.

 

5. Japanese martial arts

• Budo: 武道 (budō)
• Samurai: 武士 (bushi)
• Sword: 刀 (katana), 剣 (ken)
• Aikido: 合気道 (aikido)
• Judo: 柔道 (jūdō)
• Kendo: 剣道 (kendō)
• Karate: 空手 (karate)
• Sumo: 相撲 (sumo)
• Iaidō: 居合道 (iaijutsu)
• Jujitsu(柔術)(jūjutsu)

Budo (武道) can be used to emphasize the philosophy of Japanese martial arts.

Samurai (武士) can be used to represent the ideals and values of the samurai.

Sword (刀, 剣) can be used to symbolize the strength and beauty of Japanese swordsmanship.

Aikido (合気道) can be used to represent the harmony and unity of body and mind.

Judo (柔道) can be used to represent the power of soft power and self-defense.

Kendo (剣道) can be used to represent the discipline and concentration of swordsmanship.

Karate (空手) can be used to represent the strength and flexibility of the body.

Sumo (相撲) can be used to represent the strength and determination of sumo wrestlers.

Iaidō (居合道) can be used to represent the speed and precision of sword drawing.

jūjitsu (柔術) can be used to represent the versatility and flexibility of Japanese martial arts.

 

6. Bushido, the code of the samurai 

• Chūgi (忠義): Loyalty to one's lord
• Gi (義): Righteousness and virtue
• Yūki (勇気): Courage and bravery
• Jin (仁): Compassion and mercy
• Rei (礼): Politeness and respect
• Sei (誠): Sincerity and integrity
• Kōki (克己): Self-discipline and self-control
• Meiyo (名誉): Honor and dignity
• Shi (死): Willingness to die for honor

Chūgi (忠義) can be used to emphasize the samurai's devotion to their lord.

Gi (義) can be used to represent the samurai's willingness to do the right thing, even if it is difficult.

Yūki (勇気) can be used to emphasize the samurai's courage in battle. Jin (仁) can be used to represent the samurai's compassion and mercy for others.

Rei (礼) can be used to represent the samurai's politeness and respect for others.

Sei (誠) can be used to represent the samurai's sincerity and integrity.

Kōki (克己) can be used to represent the samurai's self-discipline and self-control.

Meiyo (名誉) can be used to symbolize the samurai's honor and dignity.

Shi (死) can be used to emphasize the impermanence of life, or to represent the transition from life to death.

 

7. Sad family events

• 悲しみ (kanashimi): sadness
• 苦しみ (kurushimi): suffering
• 失望 (shitsubō): disappointment
• 悲劇 (higeki): tragedy
• 災難 (saigai): disaster
• 悲嘆 (bītan): mourning
• 悲報 (baibaō): bad news
• 喪失 (sōshō): loss
• 絶望 (zetsubō): despair
• 争い (arasoi): quarrel

悲しみ (kanashimi) can be used to emphasize the sadness of the loss of a loved one.

苦しみ (kurushimi) can be used to represent the suffering of a disease or a disability.

失望 (shitsubō) can be used to emphasize the disappointment of a broken heart or a failed relationship.

悲劇 (higeki) can be used to represent the tragedy of a natural disaster or a war.

災難 (saigai) can be used to represent the disaster of a fire or a flood.

悲嘆 (bītan) can be used to represent the mourning of a death.

悲報 (baibaō) can be used to represent the bad news of a disease or a death.

喪失 (sōshō) can be used to represent the loss of a loved one or a beloved.

絶望 (zetsubō) can be used to represent the despair of loneliness or isolation.

争い (arasoi) can be used to represent the pain and sadness that it causes.

 

8. Happy Family Events 

• 祝福 (shukufuku): blessing
• 幸せ (shiawase): happiness
• 愛 (ai): love
• 喜び (yorokobi): joy
• 満足 (manzoku): contentment
• 感謝 (kansha): gratitude
• 祝い (iwai): celebration
• 誕生 (tanjō): birth
• 結婚 (kekkon): marriage
• 成長 (seichō): growth, development

祝福 (shukufuku) can be used to emphasize the blessings of a family.

幸せ (shiawase) can be used to represent the joy of a family.

愛 (ai) can be used to symbolize the love of a family.

喜び (yorokobi) can be used to emphasize the joy of a family celebration.

満足 (manzoku) can be used to represent the contentment of a family.

感謝 (kansha) can be used to express the gratitude of a family.

祝い (iwai) can be used to emphasize the festive atmosphere of a family celebration.

誕生 (tanjō) can be used to celebrate the birth of a new family member.

結婚 (kekkon) can be used to seal the commitment of a family.

成長 (seichō) can be used to symbolize the development of family members, such as graduation, promotion, etc.

 

9. Specific Family Events: Marriage or Cohabitation

• 結婚 (kekkon): marriage
• 婚約 (kon'yō): engagement
• 愛 (ai): love
• 絆 (kizuna): bond
• 信頼 (shinrai): trust
• 共感 (kyōkan): empathy
• 理解 (rikai): understanding
• 尊敬 (sonkei): respect
• 幸せ (shiawase): happiness
• 笑顔 (egao): smile

祝福 (shukufuku) can be used to emphasize the blessings of a family.

幸せ (shiawase) can be used to represent the joy of a family.

愛 (ai) can be used to symbolize the love of a family.

喜び (yorokobi) can be used to emphasize the joy of a family celebration.

満足 (manzoku) can be used to represent the contentment of a family.

感謝 (kansha) can be used to express the gratitude of a family.

祝い (iwai) can be used to emphasize the festive atmosphere of a family celebration.

誕生 (tanjō) can be used to celebrate the birth of a new family member.

結婚 (kekkon) can be used to seal the commitment of a family.

笑顔 (egao) can be used to highlight the happiness and joy of a family.

 

10. Specific Family Events: Birth

• 誕生 (tanjō): birth
• 命 (inochi): life
• 希望 (kibō): hope
• 祝福 (shukufuku): blessing
• 愛 (ai): love
• 喜び (yorokobi): joy
• 幸せ (shiawase): happiness
• 奇跡 (kiseki): miracle
• 新生 (shinsei): new beginning
• 生 (sei) - life

誕生 (tanjō) can be used to celebrate the arrival of a new life.

命 (inochi) can be used to emphasize the value of life.

希望 (kibō) can be used to represent the hope and expectations for the future.

祝福 (shukufuku) can be used to celebrate the blessings of a new birth.

愛 (ai) can be used to emphasize the love and commitment of the parents for their child.

喜び (yorokobi) can be used to celebrate the joy of a new birth.

幸せ (shiawase) can be used to represent the happiness of a new birth.

奇跡 (kiseki) can be used to emphasize the miraculous nature of a new birth.

新生 (shinsei) can be used to represent the new start of a new life.

生 (sei) can be used to emphasize the value of life.

In conclusion, Jisho is a Japanese-English online dictionary where you can find further inspiration to find a beautiful kanji: https://jisho.org/

It is preferable to come by to discuss the details of the subject and the dimensions of the work, with a view to framing. The calligraphy style that will be used is also considered: Kaisho (formal) or Gyosho (semi-cursive).

In very limited quantities: only two interchangeable photo frames are offered, with the corresponding custom-cut passe-partout.

Both are made of matte black aluminum, which allows for a fine frame border (10mm). This provides a sober framing that draws all attention to the work.

Small format: 40x30cm, passe-partout inner size 32x23cm,
Glass type: anti-reflective glass
Frame model: Imperial, flat edge, high quality
Price: 40 euros

Large format: 80x60cm, passe-partout inner size 59.4x42cm,
glass type: polystrene(plastic) clear (real glass is to fragile for this size)
Frame model: Imperial, flat edge, high quality
Price: 100 euros

More details on:  https://www.kaderspecialist.be/

Of course, you can purchase a frame and passe-partout yourself according to your own taste and budget. It is good to think about this in advance with a view to the desired dimensions of your work.

Yes, that is possible for simple kanji. Complex kanji do not look good on the difficult-to-paint fabric.

There are three models available:

1. Twill cotton with jute bottom: 38x41cm color ecru

2. Bamboo cotton bag with long loops: 38x42cm color off-white

3. Organic cotton bag: 35x39x13.5cm (bottom fold) natural color

 

The price is 45 euros

No, they can only be picked up locally (Aalst city center)

 

• A brush (fude): brushes are an essential part of Japanese calligraphy (shodo) and painting (sumi-e). They are made of various materials, including animal hair, such as pig hair, goat hair, and squirrel hair.

  Ink (sumi): Sumi is a black ink stick that is specifically made for Japanese calligraphy. Sumi is made of soot and resin. To make ink, this ink stick is manually mixed with water.

  Inkstone (suzuri): An inkstone is used to dilute sumi. The inkstone is moistened and then a bit of sumi is applied. By rotating the inkstone, the sumi is ground into a liquid ink.

  Paper (washi): Washi is a thin, handmade paper that is specifically made for Japanese calligraphy. Washi is made of various plant fibers, such as the bark of the mulberry tree.

Kanji are Chinese characters that are used in Japanese.

Kanji are logographic characters, which means that they represent a word or concept. They can be divided into three main categories:

• Pictographs are characters that have a direct relationship with an object or action. For example, 人 (hito) means "person" and 木 (ki) means "tree".
• Ideograms are characters that have a more abstract relationship with an idea or concept. For example, 道 (michi) means "path" or "way".
• Compound characters are characters that are made up of two or more other characters. For example, 学校 (gakkou) means "school". The kanji for "school" is made up of the kanji for "child" 校 and the kanji for "study" 学.

Kaisho

Kaisho is a style characterized by its straight, even lines. The characters are clear and easy to read, and they have a sense of balance and harmony. Kaisho is often used for formal documents, such as diplomas and certificates.

Gyosho

Gyosho is a style characterized by its flowing, expressive lines. The characters are less clear than in Kaisho, but they have a sense of movement and rhythm. Gyosho is often used for artistic purposes, such as paintings and poems.

This is a stone seal or hanko (判子) that is used to sign the artwork with the name of the artist. It says "Nohara" in seal script or tensho (天正). This means "field," a reference to the artist's family name.

The first step in making a Japanese calligraphy is to choose a character, which represents a word or idea. The next step is to determine the style of the character (kanji): Kaisho (formal) or Gyosho (semi-cursive). Then, the kanji is painted on Washi, Japanese paper that is used for calligraphy and ink paintings. This paper is thin and fragile. By pasting the artwork onto a backing paper, the wrinkles caused by the ink disappear, and the paper is protected from wear and tear. The two papers are joined together using rice glue. Finally, a red square stamp with the signature is applied.