Wall Scroll or Kakejiku

Shikishi Kake Hyougu

2012-01-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

This scroll is a shikishi kake hyougu. This was for the previous post titled http://www.wallscroll.blogspot.com/2011/12/custom-shikishi-for-hanging-wall-scroll.html
It has turned out to be a beautiful cloth to complement this scroll. Inside this scroll is the shikishi written in Kaisho (block print) style of 三角楓 Sankaku Kaede, which is the word for Trident Maple. This is a species of tree often used in bonsai.

The total scroll size dimensions are:
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun (Inches)

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 125 (14.91)

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 328 (39.13)

If you would like to order a custom scroll, please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or visit our shopping site at http://www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/

Accent Pieces in a Toko no Ma Display

2012-01-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

This information was taught to me by Kuzuhara Hiroyuki a Toko no Ma and Seki Kazari Sensei who works to teach others the art of displaying in a traditional Japanese alcove, called a Toko no Ma. Here I have broken down the small figurines or accent pieces that are used to explain the story in the display.

In his books I have only studied a little bit about the 添配accent pieces. But the first point that he hammered into me is to understand how to rank the various pieces from most formal (真 Shin) to Semi-formal (行 Gyou) to informal (草 Sou). The ranking is based upon primarily by what the image depicts and the second is with what the material the piece is made.

Image Rankings

                              Human                                                     Buildings

Formal (真 Shin) Divine Images Buddha/                           Temples, Pagodas,

                             Shinto Gods etc.                                      Jinja (Shrines) etc.

Semi-formal (行 Gyou) Buddhist Priests, Masterless        Towers, Bridges, Rookeries
                                      Samurai, Wise men, Nobility

Informal (草 Sou) Travelers, Woodcutters, Fishermen,     Grass thatched roof House,

Other Informal (草 Sou): Boats, Rafts, Calligraphy/Paper Items, Animals, Bugs, Fruit etc.
Material Rankings:

The following are ranked as formal pieces:

銅製どうせい Copper/Bronze

銀製ぎんせい Silver

真鍮しんちゅう Brass

石いし Rock

The Semi-formal Pieces are:

陶製とうせい Ceramics/ Earthenware

The Informal Pieces are:

木彫もくちょう Wood Craft

牙彫げちょう Ivory/Teeth Items

竹根彫ちくねちょう Bamboo Made Items

Custom Shikishi for Hanging Wall Scroll

2011-12-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

This Christmas gift was from a mother who has a son that studies about the Kaizen system of Continuous Improvement. It was done in the Kaisho style, which seems fitting for this word. I have just ordered the cloth to make the scroll with and will be exicted to get this finished for their Christmas present.

If you would like a custom scroll or Japanese Calligraphy writing made, please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or visit our webstore at http://www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/

Second Scroll with Name

2011-12-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is the second scroll with a name on it. I love this cloth....it is a very beautiful plum color with an ivy/flower design. As a result I used a flower pattern in the Ichimonji to give a similar effect. The writing is done in a Gyousho, semi cursive style. You can see the cloth and Jikusaki upclose here.
Scroll Dimensions as follows:
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun (Inches)

天 Ten 105 (12.53)

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 11 (1.31)

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 76 (9.07)

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 105 (12.53)

柱 Pillars 23.5 (2.80)

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 6 (0.72)

地 Chi 68 (8.11)

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 123 (14.67)

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 295 (35.19)

If you would like a custom scroll ordered for your personal use or business, please contact Jonathan Maples at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or visit my website at http://www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/

Other name scrolls are listed here:
http://www.wallscroll.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-name-in-japanese-kakejiku.html

http://wallscroll.blogspot.com/2009/09/welchko-last-name-translation.html
http://www.wallscroll.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-name-written-on-shikishi.html

First Name written on Shikishi

2011-12-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

These shikishi 色紙 were made for gifts. The writing is the name of the customers mother. It is done in semi-cursive style called gyousho 行書. If you are interested in ordering a gift of calligraphy contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or go to our website online at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com. Other gift name ideas can be found at the following:
http://www.wallscroll.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-name-in-japanese-kakejiku.html
http://wallscroll.blogspot.com/2009/09/welchko-last-name-translation.html

Meikyou Shisui Wallscroll for Kendo 明鏡止水掛け軸

2011-12-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

This scroll is going to the Pacific Northwest. It is written in the gyousho semi-cursive style and I used the blue cloth in both the Kireji and Ichimonji to represent the water in the scroll. It is accompanied by a Kogecha Kakehimo and a Kokutan (Ebony) Jikusaki. This customer also ordered a beautiful Kiribako (wood box) to go with the scroll. This phrase is used in Kendo and I am using the following source. http://www.kendo-guide.com/
Meikyo-shisui is a very good expression to know how our mind should be. Let me explain what kanjis mean. Meikyo means "a clear mirror". It is a clean mirror so you see no dust, clouds or condensation on it. The kanji itself says, "shining mirror". So you can imagine how clean the mirror is. Shisui means "the water that is not moving", the still water. If the water is still, completely still, it can reflect anything like a mirror. So what do you think it means? So what kind of state of mind is it when it is like the really clean mirror and the still water? When a mirror is dirty or it has something on it, it does not reflect things as it should. So it is not working as it is supposed to do. When your mind is not clear, your mind does not work as it is supposed to, either. Moreover, when your mind is not clear or clean, it is usually mean that something evil thing is going on in your mind. So there are two meanings in keeping your mind as clear as a clean shining mirror. One is that your mind and head is so sharp and clear that you will not misjudge anything. Another meaning is that you do not have any evil thoughts in you.

Scroll Dimensions as follows:
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun (Inches)

天 Ten 115 (13.72)

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 12 (1.43)

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 53 (6.32)

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 206 (24.57)

柱 Pillars 15 (1.79)

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 8 (0.95)

地 Chi 73 (8.71)

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 83 (9.90)

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 414 (49.39)

地 Chi 73 8.71

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 83 9.90

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 414 49.39

First Name in Japanese Kakejiku

2011-12-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

This wallscroll was ordered for a person who commissioned two scrolls for a wife's and daughter's first name. The first one is with a beautiful light pink Kireji (cloth) that is a silk. The pattern in the cloth is a faint, wispy line, so I tried to use the complementary flowing lines in the ichimonji to complement the design of the cloth.

In most situations, customers do not order special Kakehimo. Hanging thread, but in this case the customer put a lot of thought and ordered the Sakura, which is a pink thread with dark fleck design. It went really well with the scroll, and makes it that much better in my opinion. The shitan (rosewood) jikusaki also provides a good dark color to contrast well with the light pink.

The writing is done in a semi-cursive style called gyousho. It is a very nice design for this scroll. Dimensions of the scroll are listed below. If you would like to order a custom handmade scroll, contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or visit to www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com Other name scrolls can be viewed here. http://wallscroll.blogspot.com/2010/08/martial-art-scroll-for-first-name.html or here http://wallscroll.blogspot.com/2010/01/three-first-name-translations-into.html

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Inches
天	Ten	105	12.53
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	11	1.31
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	76	9.07
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	105	12.53
柱	Pillars	23.5	2.80
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	6	0.72
地	Chi	68	8.11
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	123	14.67
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	295	35.19

Suiseki Display Scroll

2011-12-14T17:06:00.001-07:00

This was a commissioned scroll and is already sold. If you would like to purchase a custom kakejiku, please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or visit our online store at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com

This customer ordered a scroll specifically to display with a Suiseki. We consulted on various aspects, and they chose to do it in a Nidan Hyougu (Two Step) style of scroll. My only concern is that my display Sensei dislikes the use of darker kireji (cloths) as he says it distracts from the main Suiseki/bonsai.

With that said, I think it is a pretty color combination with the gold to brown transition, giving it an earthy feel that could be matched well with the rock. The Enso, was also selected from some my wife, Ryugyoku had drawn previously. The scroll is complemented with a beautiful pair of Ebony (Kokutan) jikusaki and Kincha (Dark Gold) hanging string.

Dimensions are listed below:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Inches
天	Ten	115	13.72
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	43	5.13
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	89	10.62
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	67	7.99
柱	Pillars	13	1.55
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	27	3.22
地	Chi	75	8.95
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	115	13.72
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	327	39.01

Kakejiku - The Way of Inner Strength

2011-12-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

If you would like to commission your own Martial Arts Scroll, please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

These three scrolls were commissioned as gifts. It reads "Seishin Ryoku Dou". The Karateka purchasing the scrolls wanted the phrase "Way of Inner Strength" translated into Japanese. We went through several iterations, until Yoshimi decided upon using Seishin 精神, which can mean Spirit, Soul, Mind, Heart, or Intention. Those words embody everything that is internal and spiritual. The Ryoku 力 is Strength, and many people are familiar with Dou 道 as "The Way".

The writing is done in a beautiful gyousho semi-cursive style, and each one is unique because they are slightly different. The cloth selected by the customer has a beautiful large blue pattern on a gold/brown background.

The scrolls are not exactly uniform in size or length, because they are being given as gifts, and so will hang in separate locations. Had they been hung together like the panther and dragon scrolls, I would have measured more precisely. Approximate dimensions listed below:
Dimensions

Name in Kanji Name in English Size Bun (Inches)

天 Ten 100 (11.93)

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 10 (1.19)

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 53 (6.32)

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 217 (25.89)

柱 Pillars 12 (1.43)

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 6 (0.72)

地 Chi 65 (7.75)

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 77 (9.19)

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 398 (47.48)

菊松道場 Kiku Matsu Dojo Hanging Wall Scroll

2011-12-05T17:11:00.001-07:00

This customer ordered with a tight deadline and I was really worried whether it would be ready or not...but the scroll was just shipped this afternoon. This is a long thin scroll, with the Name of the Dojo in Gyousho or Semi-cursive style Japanese Calligraphy. I think the cloth is beautiful, and that is why I took a closeup of the cloth. It is styled with a deep gold on gold karakusa Ichimonji that transitions well into the green kireji. It is completed with a black lacquer wood jikusaki and a Takuboku design kake/makihimo.

Dimensions as follows:
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Inches

天 Ten 115 13.72

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 11 1.31

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 54 6.44

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 218 26.01

柱 Pillars 16.5 1.97

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 7 0.84

地 Chi 75 8.95

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 87 10.38

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 426 50.82

Bonsai Display Critique 2

2011-11-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Kuzuhara Sensei's critique of a display at the Toko Kazari competition held at the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture...The picture on the left is the original display, and the photo on the right is Kuzuhara Sensei's photoshop suggestions to improve the display.

First off, the flow of the main tree and the placement of the display are opposite. In the case of using this main tree, it should be seated on the right hand side of the display, to make it a right to have it become a left flowing display. (Sashoute or Migishoute, I am not sure on the correct reading if it is considered one word or mixes on and kun yomi), because the bonsai's left hand side will create space. A tree that flows to the left should have the pot placed a little more to the right.
But because it was set up to be a display on the left flowing to the right please understand what I will say from this point on. This tree is not yet a finished bonsai, and I have done a virt to show how if it were to be a finished bonsai that was a Hidari Shoute (Flowing to the right) display how I would try to style it.
In the revised picture the pot, and foliage, as well as the table and accent placement provides more balance for the display. Additionally, the picture of the waterfall in the scroll follows the same pattern as the tree and is redundant to the display, and I slightly amended the picture in the scroll to try and minimize this effect.

Bonsai Kazari Critique

2011-11-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

This critique is provided by Kuzuhara Hiroyuki, a Shihan rank bonsai display specialist. He wrote and sent this in Japanese, and I have translated it. The photos are from the Toko Kazari competition at the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture.

The critique of this display. The original display is on the left and the revised display with Kuzuhara Senseis recommendations is on the right.

This Shohin bonsai display when looking at a first glance seems to acheive unity among all the elemnts, but there are a few points of mistake in the rules of display.

First off, when displaying a Kengan or Hankengan as the main tree, it is good to use the tall table placed on top of this type of large jiita. However, this tree, with its thin trunk and styling would be considered more of a bunjin styling, and in this case it would be better to not use the table and place the bonsai directly on the jiita. Also, when using this type of large jiita it is a common rule if you are using an accent piece to place the accent in the upper right corner behind the tree.

The second point is that the height of this kusamono is too high.

The third point is that the picture in the scroll works well for this display, but for such a small (shohin size and thin trunk) tree, the scroll is much too big. I have made changes to the display to show how I think this would be an improved display. Please look at the two pictures. For the revision, I have used a Kuzuya, which is the way houses in olden times looked in Japan with the thatched grass roofs.Click image for larger version Name: No4-Shin_No_Shin_Scroll Revised Kuzuhara.jpg Views: 16 Size: 48.4 KB ID: 19352

Bonsai Toko no Ma Display

2011-11-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have not submitted a post for quite a while because of illness and trying to manage about 7 orders with multiple scrolls. I vended at the Golden State Bonsai Federation convention in Riverside, California. It was a very slow year for me this convention, fortunately holiday orders in other market segments were up significantly. I thought there would be quite a few custom orders, but only one came about in the end, and a few off the shelf sales. However, there was one bright spot, a custom ordered scroll was used in a formal display competition at the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture. It was confirmed in a separate bonsai forum, that the person who commissioned the scroll also set up this display.

This was the 3rd Annual competition. The scroll was brushed in Sousho, full cursive style writing, which is often the preferred style of calligraphy when displaying a bonsai with Calligraphy. My display Sensei explained that the calligraphy does not compete with the tree, compared to the formal strong brush strokes associated with Block Print style writing.

The writing of the scroll says Ka Chou Fuu Getsu. It is four character idiom for the beauties of Nature. The characters are 花 flower, 鳥 bird, 風 wind, and 月 moon. A deeper explanation of the particular design of this scroll is provided here. I love the earth tone cloth selected, and the Gold on Green Ichimonji is a perfect complement to the work. This was the first customer to have a Kokutan (Ebony) Jikusaki onto the scroll, and it sets it apart as very beautiful.

There is one point in particular with the pairing that I love is the final brush stroke of the character moon, seems to complement the branching and trunk of the tree…It makes me feel good to know that some of my large scrolls are now coming to be used with these formal toko no ma bonsai displays.

Kawa Uso Otter Sumie Kakejiku

2011-10-25T21:49:00.000-06:00

川獺かわうそ墨絵

This is another painting by Mariusz Szmerdt. It is for sale and if you want to purchase the wallscroll contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com. It I kept this in the Maru Hyougu style because I wanted to keep it simple. I used a Navy silk with an Aka Renga (Brick Red) Ichimonji with a large Karakusa (arabesque).

In contrast to the other scroll, I kept the Kakehimo and the Jikusaki dark to be almost invisible. The Kakehimo is the kogecha color, and the Jikusaki is the Kokutan (ebony) style. I liked the scroll, except that there was a little Uki in the Ichimonji that I was not happy with.

Dimensions:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Inches
天	Ten	115	13.72
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	16	1.91
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	118	14.08
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	214	25.53
柱	Pillars	20	2.39
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	9	1.07
地	Chi	77	9.19
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	158	18.85
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	431	51.41

Coyote Howing at the Moon Sumie Kakejiku (Wallscroll)

2011-10-21T16:55:00.000-06:00

This painting was done by the very talented Polish Artist Mariusz Szmerdt. It is for sale. For sale inquiries please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com. I requested him to complete some American themed paintings because several bonsai artists had written or spoken to me about not being able to understand the intricacies of Japanese displays, and a desire to have pieces that provide an American flair.

May be someone out there has a California Juniper that could go with this...

In designing this scroll, I thought it would be best to keep it very simple. The Fukuro Hyougu style fit this bill. The tan/dust color of the cloth was used to represent the desert sands of the southwest. I used the grey suji (Suji are the thin strips of cloth) and Nezumi (Mouse Colored) Kakehimo to be complementary to the clouds in the picture. The Dark Blue Jikusaki are ceramic and were used to represent the dark night time sky.

I was really pleased with how the scroll turned out, except for a small section of the suji in the Ten section. Dimensions are as follows:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Inches
天	Ten	80	9.54
筋	Suji	1	0.12
天	Partition Bottom	35	4.18
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	118	14.08
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	227	27.08
柱	Pillars	19	2.27
地	Chi First Partition	30	3.58
筋	Suji	2	0.24
地	Middle Partition	11	1.31
地	Bottom Partition	57	6.80
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	156	18.61
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	443	52.85

Aikidou Wallscroll on Sale

2011-10-20T15:06:00.001-06:00

This scroll is available for purchase. I will sell it for $30.00 plus shipping.

This Aikidou scroll is written in the Sousho style which is a free hand full cursive writing. It is not a big scroll, but the cloth alone is worth the cost of the scroll. This is a Pure Silk, and has a very beautiful pattern.

Dimensions are listed in Bun Below:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Inches
天	Ten	71	8.47
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	11	1.31
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	38	4.53
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	106	12.64
柱	Pillars	23.5	2.80
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	7	0.84
地	Chi	37	4.41
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	85	10.14
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	232	27.68

Aikidou Calligraphy Scroll for Dojo

2011-10-15T15:24:00.000-06:00

This kakejiku was made for an Aikidou Sensei in the South. The scroll is quite small, and is written in the Kaisho, or block print style. The scroll is on a light green cotton, and turned out quite nicely. It is written by Yoshimi Yamada Maples.

If you would like a custom Aikidou Scroll made for your dojo, please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com. Also look at these links for premade Aikidou Scrolls for sale.

Dimensions of this scroll are given in Bun as follows:

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 71 215.13 8.47

上中廻し Ue Ichimonji 11 33.33 1.31

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 38 115.14 4.53

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 106 321.18 12.64

柱 Pillars 23.5 71.205 2.80

下中廻し Shita Ichimonji 7 21.21 0.84

地 Chi 37 112.11 4.41

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 85 257.55 10.14

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 232 702.96 27.68

初心 Shoshin in Sousho on Shikishi

2011-10-12T12:02:00.000-06:00

This shikishi board was ordered by a customer as a return order. He is having it made for a student that recently passed his shodan (black belt) examination. When I explained that there is a double meaning to the word this was the comment.

What you explained was exactly why I wanted this work for the new shodan. I wanted something that would mean something now, and after their training progressed meant something new to them later.

If you would like to order a custom shikishi written by Ryugyoku then contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

Touryuumon Revisited

2011-10-07T14:32:00.000-06:00

This scroll is for sale, and would be good for dojo's that want to incorporate a phrase for perserverance and persistance in the face of challenges. For inquiries on pricing contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

Bonsai artists would have had a field day if this was the scroll that I originally wanted to display in the Toko no Ma display at the Toko Kazari competition at the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture.....but as it is that scroll was still not traditional enough.

Because most Westerners can not read Kanji to a high level of proficiency, one of my philosophies of scroll frame design is to convey a message through the cloth consistent with the meaning of the word or phrase.

In this case, I took the Dragon cloth pattern that is very clearly visible, and put it into the meaning of the transformation of the Koi into a Dragon. This scroll is in a simple Fukuro Hyougu style, because I wanted the viewer to focus solely on the lettering and visually see the transformation into the dragon. I used a larger jikubou and jikusaki for this scroll to provide a better view of the dragon.

Scroll Measurements as follows:
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 110 333.3 13.12

上中廻し Ue Ichimonji 0 0 0.00

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 84 254.52 10.02

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 146 442.38 17.42

柱 Pillars 11 33.33 1.31

下中廻し Shita Ichimonji 0 0 0.00

地 Chi 76 230.28 9.07

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 106 321.18 12.64

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 332 1005.96 39.60

愛 (Ai) Love Mini Kakejiku

2011-10-06T19:16:00.000-06:00

This small wallscroll is for sale. Please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com for pricing.

This scroll is in a Sandan Hyougu style. However, the jikubou is a 5 bun wood piece with no jikusaki. The hassou is a hard wrapped paper. I made this scroll with the small left over pieces of cloth that I did not want to discard.

It is written by Yoshimi Yamada Maples and is in the Gyousho or semi cursive style, with a non-traditional flair. It is only 10 inches long by 7 inches wide.

Actual dimensions are in Bun Below：
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun

天 Ten 27

上中廻し Ue Chuumawashi 10

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 3.5

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 49

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 35

柱 Pillars 7

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 2

下中廻し Shita Chuumawashi 5

地 Chi 12

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 63

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 91

Enso Circle Handmade Wallscroll

2011-10-04T18:00:00.001-06:00

This scroll is no longer available for sale and immediate shipment. For inquiries to have a custom Enso scroll made please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com.

Ensou円相

This scroll was made with the remainder of cloth used for other scrolls. That is the reason for the small size. There can be good reason to also have scrolls made smaller than usual. I like the flow of the light to darker to darkest contrast of the scroll. The plastic ivory color jikusaki provides a good feel to the scroll. This scroll is in the Maru Hyougu style, which is the basic Japanese style of framing the artwork. It is simple, and not overly complex.

The gold in this cloth really pops to the viewer against the grey background. I love this Kinran, it provides an excellent flowing feel like the calligraphy brush circle. The brushwork was done by Ryugyoku, Yoshimi Maples.

Dimensions of the scroll are as follows:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Millimeters	Size in Inches
天	Ten	56	169.68	6.68
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	11	33.33	1.31
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	88	266.64	10.50
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	67	203.01	7.99
柱	Pillars	18	54.54	2.15
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	7	21.21	0.84
地	Chi	33	99.99	3.94
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	124	375.72	14.79
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	174	527.22	20.76

Silk Sumie Remount Scroll

2011-09-29T13:50:00.000-06:00

This has been one of the worst weeks I have had working on Kakejiku. Fortunately, the best came at the end of the week. I had a customer send me this scroll to be remounted. There was Yogore, staining on the Ten of the cloth and the Jikubou, was almost completely ripped from the Jikubukuro.

We consulted and he asked me what cloth I would select to put into the scroll. I selected the cloud motif because there were no clouds in the painting that would be redundant, and the slate/grey color helped to bring out the skillfully drawn dark and light contrasts in the picture. I also retained the basic Fukuro Hyougu styling. Also, the most interesting thing about this scroll was the Jikusaki, which seemed to have a purple lacquer which I have never seen before.

I retained and used the original Hassou and Jikubou, so I had to be very careful to maintain consistent measurements. I took extra time in working on the mimiori of this scroll. I hope you enjoy seeing this scroll, because it is going back to the customer's house.

Dimensions Below:
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 117 354.51 13.96

絹本の幅さ Artwork Width 88 266.64 10.50

絹本の長さ Artwork Length 247 748.41 29.46

柱 Pillars 18 54.54 2.15

地 Chi 77 233.31 9.19

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 124 375.72 14.79

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 441 1336.23 52.61

Small Scroll

2011-09-28T16:08:00.000-06:00

This Miniscroll was made with leftover material from larger scrolls. It is about 11.5 inches long and 2.6 inches wide. With a wood dowel at the bottom, but no jikusaki.

This simple character for happiness or Joy is written in the Kaisho style, it is in a thress step style.

Kana Calligraphy Scroll

2011-09-26T12:23:00.000-06:00

This kakejiku is a sample of the Kana Calligraphy Style. It is framed with a darker gold Karakusa Ichimonji with a Red Kireji. This calligraphy style was developed in and is native to Japan. It is usually written on a special type of paper called Ganpi, which is thin and very complex to frame because it easily tear and rips when wet.

Often times the offset of the lines is done to emphasize certain words in the passage or to convey breaks in poetry. This sample was written by Ryugyoku for a monthly submitted work to her calligraphy society.

For this scroll I used a smaller jikubou, about 6 bun in size and did not insert jikusaki onto the scroll. The Kakehimo is the Takuboku design.

Dimensions of the scroll as follows:
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 93 281.79 11.09

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 7 21.21 0.84

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 72 218.16 8.59

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 106 321.18 12.64

柱 Pillars 20 60.6 2.39

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 4 12.12 0.48

地 Chi 44 133.32 5.25

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 112 339.36 13.36

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 254 769.62 30.30

August 2011 書道 Shodou Submissions Results

2011-09-17T15:30:00.000-06:00

These are the results of various students studying under Yoshimi Maples. I think August was a very good month for the results of the students.

Student A- Kaisho Rank Nikyu placed 31^st out of 54 submissions

Student	Kaisho	Gyousho/Sousho	Comments
Student A	31^st out of 50+ Students	5^th out of 40+ Students	Rank Advanced to 1^st Kyuu. Congratulations
Student B	16 out of 30 Students	Not Applicable
Student C	2 out of 21 Students	Not Applicable	Picture was placed in the Booklet & Rank Advancement to 7^th Kyuu Congratulations

If you have questions about becoming a Japanese Calligraphy student with Yoshimi Maples, please email to info@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

昨夜一声の雁 Sakuya Issei no Kari

2011-09-16T12:17:00.000-06:00

This is the last scroll made for this Autumn themed phrase/poem. It is written by Yoshimi Yamada Maples. The picture was drawn by a third party....
Yes, it is probably better to just have the calligraphy, but most Americans like the visual.
The Purple cloth could possibly go well with a Susuki or Japanese Maple. I just wonder if the color of the scroll would interfere with the colors of the plants.

Full meaning of the poem is below:
Excerpt translated from pg. 330 of the Zengo Kichigo Jiten 禅語吉語字典 published by the Japan Calligraphy Society 日本書道協会.

昨夜一声の雁

Sakuya Issei no Kari (Last night I Heard the Wild Goose Honking)

Subtitle: There Were Small Predictors of Change

The seasons change a little at a time. But because of the nature of these small changes we are not aware of the transition, until the new season is upon us. This is similar to what happens in our personal lives.

After this verse there is an extended line in the poetry which reads, 「清風万里秋」Seifuu Banri Aki. This means that after you wake up in the morning after hearing the goose honking to begin the migration you feel the crisp autumn wind on your face and are reminded that fall has arrived.

As autumn approaches the wild geese gather into flocks and begin to fly South. That honking is an indicator communicating to our hearts the fall season. The Issei in the verse is expounded to teach us that it only takes one goose to sound the honk to gather the birds into a flock. They gather quickly in the evening, begin the migration, and by the morning all that remains of their presence are the crisp autumn winds in your face.

Another deeper meaning of this verse is that through one act alone all things can begin to move. It reminds us that through the honking of only one goose, we can feel the effects of the fall wind. It is this one act that reminds us that the season, predicted to transform is actually already surrounding us in its entirety and only now have we become aware.

Dimensions

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 115 348.45 13.72

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 11 33.33 1.31

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 69 209.07 8.23

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 107.5 325.725 12.82

柱 Pillars 20.5 62.115 2.45

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 6 18.18 0.72

地 Chi 80 242.4 9.54

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 110 333.3 13.12

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 319.5 968.085 38.11

古流盆栽教室 Ancient Bonsai Studio Wallscroll

2011-09-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

This kakejiku or wallscroll was a custom order from the Bonsai in the Bluegrass convention and is already sold. It reads phonetically in Japanese as Koryuu Bonsai Kyoushitsu. There were two challenges in getting this translation accurate. The first was the word ancient. I knew one word for this and it was 古代 Kodai. But had we used this word the context would have meant in a historical, and not artistic sense. My wife had a more colloquial suggestion in using Ryuu. Ryuu is a designation of a school, sect, philosophy, or methodology for an art. A conversation may go as follows:

Nakano San: 空手をします。Karate wo shimasu. (I do Karate)

Tanaka San: どんな流派ですか。 Don na ryuuha desuka? (Which style do you study?)

Nakano San: 松涛館です。Shoutoukan desu. (The shoutoukan style.)

In other words Yoshimi’s translation has individualized the scroll to not only be the name of the company or school, but could also become his own bonsai school of philosophy in the future depending on use of the term.

The second dilemma was the word studio. There could have been many translations such as 校kou for a more formal school, but I opted to go with the word used by my Sensei for his scroll classroom which is Kyoushitsu and would literally be translated as teaching room, but is the word studio in most online dictionaries.

The writing is done in a Gyousho, semi-cursive style. The scroll cloths consist of a light Ichimonji that has flowing gold & silver lines which reminded me of the delicately styled bonsai branches. The brown cloth, although not as dark as the décor of his studio, will hopefully be a good transition color between the lighter color wall and the darker floor. (Only after hanging the scroll in the room will we be sure if this was correct or not.) The cloth does have a lotus flower design, a common Buddhist symbol, and it is capped at the top with a 金茶 Kincha or Dark Gold hanging string and the軸先 Jikusaki (end pieces at the bottom) are a beautiful but simple wood laquer 軸木黒塗り.

Scroll dimensions are as follows:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Millimeters	Size in Inches
天	Ten	98	296.94	11.69
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	11	33.33	1.31
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	54	163.62	6.44
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	221	669.63	26.36
柱	Pillars	12	36.36	1.43
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	6	18.18	0.72
地	Chi	70	212.1	8.35
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	78	236.34	9.30
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	406	1230.18	48.43

亀鶴 Kikaku Longevity & Long Life

2011-09-14T10:39:00.001-06:00

This wallscroll or kakejiku is no longer available for sale. For pricing or to buy a custom scroll please contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or call 801-785-0919.

This handmade Kakejiku is done in the Maru Hyougu style written in Kaisho by Ryugyoku. (Yoshimi Yamada Maples) Meaning of the scroll is explained below.

This phrase in Japanese reads 亀鶴 Kikaku. The first character is 亀Kame or turtle, and one can see that the character written on the scroll is different than the character written here. The typed kanji above is the new character for turtle. The second character, 鶴Tsuru, means a crane. This phrase is normally written in reverse with the Tsuru first and the Kame second, and t
he simple meaning is Longevity. The crane symbolizes a 1,000 years and the Turtle 10,000 years. The following is my translation of page 712 of the Zengo Kichigo Jiten.

As we age individually as humans we gradually become less self aware. Unfortunately, we will all grow older, and no matter how we try, we cannot prevent this from happening. If this is the way things are, there is a way to age well and continue to maintain a stout heart throughout life. As we look out over our surroundings, we can see many bright, wonderful elderly around us. That method is esteemed, and learning from that example all can learn to age gracefully.

The Hakurakuten song has the phrase 「松柏と亀鶴と其の寿は皆の千年」Shouhaku to Kikaku to, Sono Ju wa Minna no Sennen. This means through one year to live long and abundantly like the deep green pines, deciduous trees, turtle and crane. The phrase 「亀鶴の寿」Kikaku no Ju are also the words to celebrate a long life. Furthermore, the long word「亀齢鶴算白頭翁」Kireikakusannhakutouou means to live long like the turtle and the crane by ones head displaying white is a genuine saying for longevity.

In any case, living a long life is a reason of celebration in of itself. Year by year all should feel the blessing and enjoy life.

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 112 339.36 13.36

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 10 30.3 1.19

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 77 233.31 9.19

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 108 327.24 12.88

柱 Pillars 9 27.27 1.07

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 7 21.21 0.84

地 Chi 58 175.74 6.92

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 95 287.85 11.33

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 295 893.85 35.19

Sousho Shodo Kakejiku Endless Mind

2011-07-29T11:44:00.001-06:00

This calligraphy was written by a student of Yoshimi, who also studies with another Calligraphy Sensei. Student said the meaning was to the extent of Endless Mind or Soul. She chose this one as the best work to frame. I had a difficult time with the Hada Urauchi....So unfortunately she will likely need to place the Hanko to the left of her Signature, which was unfortunate.

The cloth has a slight Lotus Flower design, which made it appropriate for hanging in the Buddhist Monastery to which she is gifting the scroll. It is highlighted with a beautiful kurenai/Chairoi lacquer wood jikusaki that has gold fleck in it.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at http://www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/ 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at http://www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/ to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

Customer Response to Scroll

2011-07-07T18:38:00.000-06:00

This is a response from a customer along with my reply. I guess sometimes I get too hard on myself about seeing every little flaw and mistake.

Dear Jonathan,

I have received the package today and I am very happy with the result. Maybe it is not “great” as you mentioned, but to my opinion it is at least very good!
I gave it to my friend this evening and also he was very happy with it.
Thank you very much for making this custom scroll.
Best regards,

I am glad your friend is appreciative of the gift. Probably like yourself in Martial Arts I seek for perfection in my work, which sometimes hinders my ability to see the overall good and focus only on minor flaws.
Regards,

Jonathan Maples

表装師-Hyousoushi
Custom Japanese Calligraphy
www.CustomJapaneseCalligraphy.com
www.Wallscroll.Blogspot.com
545 West 600 North
St. George UT 84770
Phone: 435-656-1870

Banzenkan New Dojo Scroll

2011-07-05T17:03:00.001-06:00

This custom designed handmade wallscroll went to the Seattle Tacoma area for a new dojo that is opening it's doors. If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com Banzenkan is written in Gyousho style. Banzen means perfection or flawlessness and kan is a meeting place or hall. Kouminkan is a public hall or gathering place. I used a dark gold Ichimonji with a karakusa pattern to make the dark brown cloth stand out. The scroll is completed with plastic Jikusaki and a dark gold Kakehimo. Hopefully the students will adhere to the dictum of the statement and try to attain perfection in their Martial Arts studies in this study hall. Scroll dimensions are given in Bun, and inches below.

Writing was done by Ryugyoku, "Yoshimi Yamada Maples".

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Inches
天	Ten	107	12.76
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	7.5	0.89
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	46	5.49
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	107	12.76
柱	Pillars	24	2.86
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	5	0.60
地	Chi	65	7.75
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	94	11.21
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	291.5	34.77

Kakejiku with Bible Verse

2011-06-30T18:18:00.001-06:00

The writing for this is Trust in the Lord. Shu ni Shinrai se yo. It is a verse in Proverbs. this scroll is to be used for a Christian Mission Home in Japan. If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com
The writing is in the Kaisho style and was done by Yoshimi Yamada Maples.
The brown Ichimonji was selected to match the brown decor of the room. The total scroll is about 6.5 Feet in length.
Dimensions in Bun and then estimate in Inches
Name in Kanji Name in English

天 Ten 120 / 14.31

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 13 / 1.55

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 110 / 13.12

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 444 / 52.97

柱 Pillars 25 / 2.98

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 8 / 0.95

地 Chi 70 / 8.35

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 160 / 19.09

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 655 / 78.14

Karate Scroll - Ichinen 一念

2011-06-25T12:51:00.001-06:00

This scroll is going to Europe. It was purchased as a gift from one Matial Artist to another.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

The phrase Ichinen can mean one thought or determined purpose. Possibly used as motivation to continue intense training in spite of pain or discomfort.

This particular scroll is written in the Full Cursive style called Sousho, by Yoshimi Yamada Maples, whose Natori calligraphy name assigned by her Sensei is Ryugyoku.

The cloth is a silk imported from Japan that has a very slight ivy pattern in it. Because of the small pattern, I used a larger Karakusa (arabesque) pattern with the gold on cream ichimonji.

Dimensions of the kakejiku in Bun (traditional Japanese measurement), Millimeters and then Inches.
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 118 / 357.54 / 14.08

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 8 / 24.24 / 0.95

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 77 / 233.31 / 9.19

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 106 / 321.18 / 12.64

柱 Pillars 23 / 69.69 / 2.74

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 4 / 12.12 / 0.48

地 Chi 78 / 236.34 / 9.30

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 123 / 372.69 / 14.67

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 314 951.42 37.46

Bonsai Scrollmaking Class

2011-06-16T20:13:00.001-06:00

On June 16th, 2011 I conducted a workshop for 8 students on how to make wallscrolls or kakejiku at Bonsai in the Bluegrass in Louisville Kentucky. It was the most difficult but enjoyable time I have ever had because there was so much to do and so little time to do it in...

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

This scroll was one of the demo pieces completed for the person in charge of the program. It reads 百花春至 Hyakka ha Haru Itaru. This means that Spring Begins with a Hundred Blossoms. The writing was done is a Gyousho style by Yoshimi Yamada Maples, Ryugyoku. The scroll was on the drying board for over a year. The person receiving the scroll selected an Enshu Shitan Jikusaki. The scroll was designed in mind of the bonsaiist that loves to display shohin Azaleas.

Pair of Kakejiku: 7 Virtues & Musashi 5 Elements

2011-06-10T16:55:00.001-06:00

A pair of scrolls ordered from our neighbor to the North.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

The thing I like most about this order is that the customer knew exactly what they wanted and the entire order process only took about 20 minutes via phone to complete, and then it was hammered out pretty quickly.

I have done several scrolls of the dragon in the 7 Virtues of the Bushido, but never in the Tiger cloth for the scroll. The scrolls are complemented with a Black lacquer wood jikusaki and a Kogecha (almost black) hanging string.

Dimensions are:
Kanji English Size in Bun / Millimeters / Inches

天 Ten 118 357.54 14.08

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 6 18.18 0.72

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 54 163.62 6.44

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 223 675.69 26.60

柱 Pillars 18 54.54 2.15

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 4 12.12 0.48

地 Chi 83 251.49 9.90

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 90 272.7 10.74

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 434 1315.02 51.77

Migrating Geese Fukuro Hyougu

2011-06-09T18:33:00.001-06:00

This scroll is no longer for sale. Artist is Darlene Dihel. It was purchased by a bonsai artist at the Bonsai in the Bluegrass convention.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

This scroll is my favorite of the three. It is in the Fukuro Hyougu style with one suji in the Ten section and two suji in the Chi Section. I used the navy cloth to symbolize the night, along with the Kogecha kakehimo and black plastic Jikusaki to give the feel of night. The Orchid suji is used to contrast strongly with the dark cloth.

Dimensions as follows:
Kanji English Name Size in A. Bun B. Millimeters C. Inches

天 Ten 99 299.97 11.81

天 Partition Top 70 212.1 8.35

天 Partition Bottom 29 87.87 3.46

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 70 212.1 8.35

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 106 321.18 12.64

柱 Pillars 19 57.57 2.27

地 Chi 61 184.83 7.28

地 Partition Top 19 57.57 2.27

地 Partition Middle 14 42.42 1.67

地 Partition Bottom 28 84.84 3.34

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 108 327.24 12.88

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 266 805.98 31.73

Kakejiku Wallscroll for Judo

2011-06-03T17:52:00.001-06:00

Finally a scroll for a Judoka. This was ordered by a Judo practitioner in the Western part of the US.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

It has the writing in a kaisho style with Judo as the main large two characters and the two concepts which are taken from the www.wikipedia.org website.
Central to Kanō's vision for jūdō were the principles of seiryoku zen'yō (精力善用^?, maximum efficiency, minimum effort) and jita kyōei (自他共栄^?, mutual welfare and benefit). He illustrated the application of seiryoku zen'yō with the concept of jū yoku gō o seisu (柔よく剛を制す softness controls hardness^?):

The scroll is done on a blue cloth with Gold on Red Ichimonji. The jikusaki is a Kokutan (Ebony) wood and the kakehimo is takuboku.

Scroll Dimensions in Bun/Inches are as follows:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Inches
天	Ten	131	15.63
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	11	1.31
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	110	13.12
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	445	53.08
柱	Pillars	14	1.67
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	6.5	0.78
地	Chi	90.5	10.80
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	138	16.46
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	684	81.60

Yoshimi "Ryugyoku" Maples Shihan Advancement

2011-06-02T17:48:00.000-06:00

This week, Yoshimi's Parents called to inform her that she was promoted to the rank of Shihan through her calligraphy society. I am proud of her diligence to submit her works monthly, and her large Joufuku work annually. Regina Oberndorfer was also promoted to rank of Nikyuu. She was in the top three of her cohort for the month of April.

Geese Ascending in Flight Sumie

2011-05-31T17:16:00.001-06:00

This is the second scroll in a series created for a bonsai display. The sumi-e painting of the Geese, called 雁 Kari in Japanese, was done by Darlene Dihel, a sumi artist in the Pacific Northwest. I met her several years ago at a Japanese festival, and have done a few projects together.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

I requested this painting to sell for a bonsai display that has a fall theme. The entire poem and concept will be provided upon purchase. When I bounced this idea off of him, he said it was a good theme, but advised me to design scrolls that are more subdued with earthtone colors.

In designing this scroll, I wanted to do a Sandan Hyougu, or three step style scroll. This is a little complex for a display, because most scrolls used for display in the Gadou style are either Maru Hyougu or Fukuro Hyougu designs. I thought the symbolism with this would work, and would be appropriate for certain plants used in the display. The Orange on Gold Ichimonji represents the sunset, the goldenrod is for the dried out grasses along the riverbanks, and the bronze for the turning of the leaves.

As opposed to the other artwork, this has the Geese in ascent and beginning the migration, rather than in mid-flight. Dimensions of the scroll as follows:

Name in Kanji / Name in English Size in Bun (Size in Inches)

天 Ten 80 (9.54)

上中廻し Ue Chuumawashi 45 (5.37)

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 9 (1.07)

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 74 (8.83)

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 108 (12.88)

柱 Pillars 20 (2.39)

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 5 (0.60)

下中廻し Shita Chuumawashi 25 (2.98)

地 Chi 65 (7.75)

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 114 13.60

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 328 39.13

Migrating Geese Sumie Wallscroll

2011-05-26T16:43:00.001-06:00

This scroll was accomplished by joint effort of Sumie Artist Darlene Dihel based out of the Seattle area of Washington. I have been working on a planting to display a fall scene of migrating geese. This scroll was completed to vend at an event at Bonsai in the Bluegrass. The scroll has been sold.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

Large Dojo Japanese Budo Scroll

2011-05-23T18:04:00.002-06:00

This scroll is for a gift to the Grandmaster of a Budo system. The practitioner lives in the Western United States.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

It has turned out to be a very beautiful scroll. The person sent to us a PDF of how they wanted the writing done. You can learn about this martial art system and see a link of the writing and how it is similar at http://www.hoshin.us/index.html Although not an exact replica of their request it is very similar and beautifully done in a somewhat Gyousou style of writing. I call it gyousou because the first character is in the Sousho style and the remaining three would be considered Gyousho style. Yoshimi had to plan very well due to this large piece comprising only four characters.

It reads Hoshin Budou. Ho is the most difficult character to translate as it is in a Sousho style, shin is the spiritual heart and Budou is a system of martial arts. I was very pleased with the selection of the cloth. At first the customer wanted a solid purple cloth, which just didn’t seem to work. I showed the customer a small sample of this koi pattern purple and he decided to go with this cloth. It was a wise choice because it really seems to go with feeling of the writing, even though it is a less traditional kireji (cloth) that one sees with martial arts or Japanese/Okinawan karate themed kakejiku. The scroll is completed with the gold on white Ichimonji and a Shitan Jikusaki. The colors really match well.

Dimensions of the scroll are as follows:

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Millimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 115.5 / 349.965 / 13.78

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 10.5 / 31.815 / 1.25

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 112 / 339.36 / 13.36

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 388 / 1175.64 / 46.29

柱 Pillars 25 / 75.75 / 2.98

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 6 / 18.18 / 0.72

地 Chi 80 / 242.4 / 9.54

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 162 / 490.86 / 19.33

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 600 / 1818 / 71.57

Dojo Scroll for Black Belt Advancement

2011-05-10T18:38:00.001-06:00

This scroll was ordered by a Student for the Dojo Sensei.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

There were several students that passed their black belt exam and went in for a gift to the Dojo. The design was done very well and the wallscroll turned out very beautiful in the Navy cloth with the Cream and Large Karakusa (arabesque) pattern for the Ichimonji. The black wood lacquer jikusaki with the Aqua/Silver fleck just seems to let it go in a pattern from lightest to lighter to darker to darkest...I was very happy with the way the scroll turned out and was pleased with the end result.

The words are written in a Gyousho style by Ryugyoku Yamada and the meaning is Honor, Discipline and Adaptation are kind of the motto or Dojo Kun. We used more esoteric meaning with one character to represent the words because we thought that would be the better fit for the dojo, which has roots in Japanese/Okinawan based karate but also adapts with different styles.

I hope the Sensei likes the time and thought that the students put into designing the scroll.

Dimensions in traditional Japanese bun measurement are as follows:
Ten 121
Ue Ichimonji 7.5
Honshi no Habasa 54
Honshi no Nagas 194
Hashira 20
Shita Ichimonji 5
Chi 83
Total Scroll Width (About 12 Inches)
Total Scroll Length (About 49 Inches)

Kokoro Scroll - Buddhist Calligraphy Brushwork

2011-05-05T13:14:00.001-06:00

This scroll was a very interesting project. A Buddhist temple/retreat in the mid-southern United States wanted to honor a patron. The top reverend in the Temple brushed this version of Kokoro, and wanted it made in a scroll to be presented to this patron.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

They wanted a Japanese cloth but wanted a more subtle pattern and design in the cloth. In the end this goldenrod cloth with a small ivy唐草 karakusa pattern was selected. They also wanted a lighter ichimonji, so the gold on white with a very similar arabesque was decided upon for the scroll. The greatest concern to the artist was the trimming of the artwork. The work was on a square of about 230 by 230 bun. The artwork could have been trimmed into a Yokojiku because there was a significant amount of white space on the top. However, there was also a little extra space on the right hand side of the work. We decided to keep the length longer than the width, which was a result of good advice and consultation help from my 表装Hyousou Sensei in Japan.

The obvious features of the scroll are the narrow Hashira. This was done as necessity due to the large width of the writing. I did not feel like jointing the cloth as done in the previous Peony scroll at an earlier post. So this was cut from one section of cloth. The second most beautiful feature is the紫檀軸先 rosewood jikusaki. I think this is a beautiful complement to the goldenrod color of the cloth.

Dimensions of the scroll are as follows:

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun (Estimate Size in Inches)

天 Ten 135 (16.10)

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 11 (1.31)

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 210 (25.05)

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 224 (26.72)

柱 Pillars 5 (0.60)

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 6 (0.72)

地 Chi 105 (12.53)

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 220 (26.24)

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 481 (57.38)

Iaido Scroll-Hayashizaka Iai Dai Myo Jin

2011-04-28T10:08:00.001-06:00

This beautiful scroll is for an Iaido practitioner in the Western US.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

I am so honored to be given this artwork to make into a scroll. The Calligraphy was given to this Martial Artist as a gift for the extensive research and direct lineage to this sword school in Japan, Muso Jikiken Eishin Ryu. This Iaido style traces its lineage back 22 generations to the founder Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu.

It is written in the Kaisho style, and reads Hayashizaki Iai Dai Myo Jin. The owner of the artwork confirmed to me that it would translate The Great Patron Deity of Iaido. Similar to Tenshin Katoryu it is said that this sword style was presented to Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu after praying for 100 days before the deity of the shrine, Kuma no Meijin.

The simple Maru Hyougu style of design with the brown silk and honeycomb pattern interlaced with flowers really seems to present the writing in an excellent light, and support the heavenly inspiration of the sword style bestowal by Kuma no Meijin. The scroll is accented with an Ebony Wood Jikusaki and gold with white arrow pattern kakehimo. The Ichimonji selected was a light brown to help transition the view between the artwork and the cloth. I was very pleased with the end result of the scroll and hope this will bless the new dojo in the future. Dimensions as follows:

Name in Kanji Name in English Sizes (Bun) (Centimeters) (Inches)

天 Ten 126 381.78 15.03

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 12 36.36 1.43

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 112 339.36 13.36

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 430 1302.9 51.30

柱 Pillars 21.5 65.145 2.56

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 9 27.27 1.07

地 Chi 85 257.55 10.14

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 155 469.65 18.49

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 662 2005.86 78.97

掛け軸 Kakejiku Partial Remount

2011-04-20T21:09:00.001-06:00

This scroll was one of two ordered by a customer.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

This was a scroll acquired by his father and he wanted to have it remounted. This scroll was in the sandan Hyougu style with a paper Ten and Chi. The Hassou was completely removed from the scroll and the paper was ripped terribly bad. There was also some stain on the Chuumawashi.

So I took off about 5 bun on the top and the bottom of the chuumawashi to keep dimensions consistent. I then mounted some Khaki cloth that I had on the drying board previously for another project. I then put another layer of Sourauchi on the work and let it dry, it came out pretty nicely.

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Centimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 127

上中廻し Ue Chuumawashi 25

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 3

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 73

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 219

柱 Pillars 10

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 3

下中廻し Shita Chuumawashi 17

地 Chi 88

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 93

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 479

My 2011 Masterpiece Scroll

2011-04-15T15:22:00.001-06:00

Although it says on my website that it takes about 1 month to create a scroll, sometimes based upon the work it may take longer. In the case of this scroll, it did take longer, much longer.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

This beautiful scroll has been in the works since the beginning of December 2010. The customer asked me if I could frame this large piece. The artwork is about 4 1/3 feet wide and about 2 feet long. My greatest concern was not only the size, but the fact that it was wider than it was long, but the fact that it was painted in colored sumi. Color sumi has a propensity to bleed (滲むnijimu) during the Hada Urauchi process. After consulting with my sensei, I determined it would be possible to do the work.

The next process was to decide on the 裂地 kireji or cloth. The customer said they wanted a celadon color for the cloth. In Japanese celadon is 清滋 Seiji, which is a term used in Chinese ceramics to denote a jade or light green glaze. In Japan it is more of a teal or aquamarine. I asked my Sensei and he matched a perfect cloth. Mind you the cloth was a very high quality 三丁正絹 Sancho Shoken (Pure Silk). There is a beautiful pattern of phoenixes and chyrsanthemums in the cloth. This was a very expensive cloth. Because of the width of the artwork, it was decided that the scroll should be done in the 袋表具 Fukuro Hyougu style which forgoes a border of 一文字 ichimonji along the top and the bottom of the artwork.

When the artwork came, it was prepped by painting Dousa eki and sprayed with a Nijimanai spray before applying the Hada Urauchi. The cloth was not wide enough to make the scroll, so care was taken to cut two matching patterns of the cloth and then combine them to have the needed width for the Ten and Chi. I also let the works at different stages spend more time on the drying board. I appreciate the fact that the customer was not pushing me to finish the scroll in a certain amount of time, and when I said it would be better to let it hang longer, the response was always “take your time to do it right”. The two tone green and blue ceramic 軸先 Jikusaki (end caps) seem to provide a smooth transition between the cloth, but also helping to bring out the green in the painting.

In all, I have to consider this my masterpiece work of 2011.

Scroll dimensions as follows:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Centimeters	Size in Inches
天	Ten	114.5	346.935	13.66
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	424	1284.72	50.58
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	202	612.06	24.10
柱	Pillars	12.5	37.875	1.49
地	Chi	74.5	225.735	8.89
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	449	1360.47	53.56
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	391	1184.73	46.64

Scroll for Bonsai Artist

2011-04-11T19:37:00.003-06:00

It has been about a year and a half since an order for a scroll from a bonsai enthusiast was placed. This scroll is very soothing. It is a nature/serenity poem about the stillness when deep in the woods.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

The writing was done in the sousho format. The cloth is bone colored. The Kakehimo is takuboku (which is crow in Japanese. I will repost dimensions tomorrow, but it is a little over four feet.

The Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Stained Shitan (rosewood) jikusaki really add to the overall elegance and character of this scroll. Along with the Deep gold ichimonji used to capture the rays of light reaching one as they are hiking through the forest.

Name in Kanji / Name in English / Size in Bun/ Size in Centimeters / Size in Inches

天 Ten 120 363.6 14.31

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 8 24.24 0.95

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 55 166.65 6.56

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 210 636.3 25.05

柱 Pillars 12 36.36 1.43

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 5 15.15 0.60

地 Chi 83 251.49 9.90

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 79 239.37 9.42

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 426 1290.78 50.82

Custom Scroll in Personal Meditation Area

2011-04-08T16:24:00.000-06:00

One of my customers finally sent back some pics of their scroll after they arranged everything. This is like a little personal meditation and training area. You can see the statue of Buddha with the pictures of the founder of Aikidou Morihei Ueshiba on the right and left. I think this is really pretty, and it makes me feel good that the scroll can be a part of this persons daily spiritual development.

Bonsai in the Bluegrass Writing

2011-04-07T09:13:00.000-06:00

This writing is also for an individual that will attend my scrollmaking seminar at Bonsai in the Bluegrass. It is a good summer phrase as one section of a poem that would be used for all seasons. Unfortunately, Yoshimi does not like how it turned out and is going to rewrite shortly.

Written in the Sousho style.

The meaning of the phrase is as follows:
Life concerns itself deeply with nature’s changing. The sweltering summer is said to be symbolic of the power of life.

The bright blue, cloudless summer day of early afternoon lends itself to the towering summer cloud. The cloud seems to transform into the shape of a mountain, and this is the meaning of 奇峰Kihou. It is a magnificent sight. This clouds development causes a boiled up feeling of excitement, and the meaning of this poem is representative of how the excitement of life unfolds.

The source, known by the field and country poets, is one verse of the poem “Four Seasons” by 陶淵明Tou Enmei. 「春水は四沢に満ち、夏雲奇峰多し。秋月明輝を揚げ、冬嶺孤松に秀でず」。In the springtime, the melting snow fills the streams to almost overflowing. In the summer, powerful clouds are forming and flying high overhead. In Autumn the moon is reflecting brightly, and in the winter the lone pine clinging to the side of the mountains summit stands tall against the bitter cold wind.

People seldom plan to go deep into nature, and this poem helps us to understand the beautiful countryside.

Shodo for Scrollmaking Class

2011-04-06T10:24:00.001-06:00

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

This is another writing for the Bonsai in the Bluegrass scrollmaking class, which will be held all day on June 16, 2011. This student wanted a Spring Early summer themed poem to make a scroll for their bonsai display.

Coming to the decision of the final poem was both difficult and arduous. However, I think this phrase conveys a beautiful sentiment for a bonsai with a spring season theme.

Although I did recommend the customer to have the work done in the Sousho style, they preferred the Gyousho.
The meaning is as follows:
A young and tender new spring grass is like a far off dream that you see as you doze off. The source for this phrase is Shuki’s 朱熹 Impromptu Poem 偶成詩　少年老い易く学成り難しwhich means, The youthful years pass quickly before one accomplishes much learning. (Source is http://www.csse.monash.edu.au) As yet we can’t remember the luxuriant beauty of the flowers in full bloom on the embankment of the pond. The meaning of this poem is hoping our dreams mature throughout life, by singing with the joy that Spring brings. On the other hand, the word Dream’s (yume) happiness reminds us that sooner or later all things have transience to them and an impermanent state. For things to change is the norm of life.

With all that however, there is a joy in dreaming and reaching for the stars. Also, we must remember that to have a dream is not only the special privilege of youth. For example, even if one does not realize the dreams they have as children, they can continue to dream as an adult to lighten a burden. Isn’t this sometimes good to have these dreams as we age?

Do not say to yourself, “I am no longer young”, and you will not limit yourself in your possibilities. We must always have and continue to have wonderful dreams throughout our lives.

2 Dojo Scrolls with Dragon Cloths

2011-03-30T09:08:00.001-06:00

The following scrolls were made for a Dojo just south of where I went to Graduate School (University of Memphis).

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

This pair of scrolls is beautifully written in a Gyoushou style. Both scrolls say 雷電道場 Raiden Dojo, or Thunder & Lightning Dojo. It is very appropriate considering the last name of the Sensei which I will not reveal. One is a Joufuku size scroll and the other is a Yatsugiri size scroll.

The cloths were chosen to blend with the colors of the dojo, which are black, gray and red. The Red Ichimonji particularly stands out and I think provides power to the effect of the scroll.

Two other things you will notice is that the Ten on the Joufuku scroll is particularly long. I did that on purpose so that a full dragon could be on that portion of the scroll. The second relates to the writing. Both Rai and Den have the identical radical. However, Yoshimi chose to write them differently. I asked her why and she said it would be boring to have both in the same gyousho style. There are variations within the Gyousho style, but that is a separate topic.

Dimensions of the scrolls as follows:

Joufuku

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Centimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 195 590.85 23.26

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 11 33.33 1.31

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 115 348.45 13.72

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 435 1318.05 51.89

柱 Pillars 18 54.54 2.15

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 7 21.21 0.84

地 Chi 85 257.55 10.14

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 151 457.53 18.01

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 733 2220.99 87.44

Yatsugiri Size Scroll
Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Centimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 134 406.02 15.99

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 8 24.24 0.95

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 55 166.65 6.56

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 175 530.25 20.88

柱 Pillars 13 39.39 1.55

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 5 15.15 0.60

地 Chi 80 242.4 9.54

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 81 245.43 9.66

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 402 1218.06 47.96

On the Earthquake in Japan

2011-03-14T11:17:00.000-06:00

Reading about the devastation that occurs makes me sad. I have heard from my display Sensei Kuzuhara Hiroyuki that he is OK. My scroll making Sensei Sagawa Taishin I have not heard from yet. I pray everything is well with him.

My wife's family is also safe.

I pray that everyone can survive both the physical and emotional turmoil that has afflicted them.

Jonathan Maples

Scroll with Ukiyoe Style Lithograph

2011-03-08T13:31:00.001-07:00

This scrolls artwork was purchased beforehand by the customer. If you also have artwork that you would like framed in an alternative style, I would love to give a quote. Contact to me at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or go to my site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com I really like how the artist melded a modern day theme with a painting in an ukiyoe style. It kind of just grabbed me. The customer ordered a Maru Hyougu style scroll, but this style of scroll just did not fit in my mind because of the length of the artwork. So I asked if I could do it in a Rinpo Hyougu style scroll. As this is a first test run frame for a series of works the customer said yes...
I was ecstatic with the result of the scroll except for one little bulge that has been taken out during the Urazuri process.

Scroll Dimensions given in Bun:

Name in Kanji	Name in English	Size in Bun	Size in Centimeters	Size in Inches
天	Ten	88	266.64	10.50
上中廻し	Ue Chuumawashi	51	154.53	6.08
上一文字	Ue Ichimonji	6.5	19.695	0.78
紙本の幅さ	Artwork Width	92	278.76	10.97
紙本の長さ	Artwork Length	224	678.72	26.72
柱	Pillars	4	12.12	0.48
下一文字	Shita Ichimonji	5	15.15	0.60
下中廻し	Shita Chuumawashi	34	103.02	4.06
地	Chi	65	196.95	7.75
掛け軸の幅さ	Scroll Width	100	303	11.93
掛け軸の長さ	Scroll Length	467	1415.01	55.71

Student Response Regarding the Scrollmaking Class

2011-02-19T17:14:00.002-07:00

If you would like to schedule a class or order my book contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or go to www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com

To Mr.

Jonathan Maples

St. George/Utah February, 19th, 2011

Scroll making class February 7-9, 2011

Dear Jonathan,

Thank you very much for the wonderful chance of studying with you the making of a wall scroll. Indeed it was a tough time for me – measuring over and over again, cutting the pieces and gluing them together – all this to be done kneeling on the floor!

I especially appreciated your calm and relaxed attitude and your deep and profound knowledge of this Japanese craft. It is of high value if one is quite familiar with all the Japanese names as described in your book: "How to Make Handmade Wall Scrolls”, because I noticed that I started to get puzzled with all the new expressions from day two on.

The work of these 2 ½ days was a highly concentrative task. As it follows the rhythm learning by watching and then doing by oneself, one surely has some time to relax from work, but as you already mentioned in your blog, one or two coffee breaks would have been lovely for me.

I appreciated your helping hand anytime I wasn’t skilled enough to handle it alone. Especially the very last step of bringing the final layer of urauchi onto the almost finished scroll is very crucial. Then it will be obvious how carefully one has worked because all the little creases will show after drying it. So this was the part where I was very grateful for your experienced and profound support.

With your introduction, assistance and support I am highly satisfied with the wonderful scroll I could take home to Germany. It will get a special place in our Zendo where we perform our Buddhist meditation. The Kanji on it is MU, which means Nothing, Emptiness or Boundlessness. Right now I was asked to embellish our Ikebana exhibition with it by hanging it there.

Besides I am very grateful that I could take home the scroll you were demonstrating the whole procedure as well. It will hang in the corridor of our house. The Kanji on it are from the Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo (Ten verse sutra of prolonging life) and mean: eternal, joyful, intimate and pure.

In future I hopefully will be able to recall all these little steps of building such a scroll and am happy that you offered your assistance for arising questions.

I am also very pleased with this traditional and wonderful silk and brocade cloth that you provided me with.

I hope that many people will find the way to your lessons and be able to learn these special skills from you.

Yours sincerely

Regina Oberndorfer

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

Aikidou Scroll in Sandan Hyougu (3 Step) Style

2011-02-15T09:47:00.002-07:00

This scroll was ordered from an Aikidouka (practitioner of Aikidou) in the Midwest. If you would like to order a custom designed scroll e-mail me at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com or go to www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com. Initially he called me on the phone and we had a lengthy discussion. I asked questions of what the décor in the room would be and colors of the wall so that we could design a scroll that would work in the room it was to be hung. When he said he wanted something in shades of brown, I thought that this large karakusa silk would be a good match for what he wanted. The next day I sent him the some pictures of recently purchased silks from a supplier in Japan, but I recommended this specific cloth along with the Antique cloth for the Ten and Chi. In my mind I had the idea of the concept of Lighter (Shihon or paper artwork), Darker (Gold Ichimonji), Darkest (Brown Karakusa silk), back to Darker (Antique cloth), and finally back to lightest (ash wood colored Jikusaki, and a white with Blue fleck design Kake/Makihimo). We actually did not decide on the Jikusaki and Kakehimo until after the original design, but when I explained this pattern I think he saw the vision of what I envisioned for the scroll.

The customer wished to have the writing in the Kaisho style, but to meet the size requirement to attach the Ichimonji, I needed to cut the paper much smaller. I am very grateful to my wife for being such an experienced and skilled calligrapher to be able to write everything very balanced and always meet the customer needs.
Dimensions of the scroll given in the traditional Bun measurement, with approximations in centimeters and inches.

Kanji English Size in Bun CM Inches
天 Ten 115 348.5 13.72
上中廻し Ue Chuumawashi 52 157.5 6.2
上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 7.5 22.7 0.9

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 56 169.7 6.7

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 87 263.6 10.4

柱 Pillars 12 36.4 1.4

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 3.5 10.6 0.4

下中廻し Shita Chuumawashi 26 78.8 3.1

地 Chi 70 212.1 8.4

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 80 242.4 9.5

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 353.5 1071.1 42.2

Scroll Made for Scroll Making Class Demonstration

2011-02-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

This scroll was written by the student, Regina Oberndorfer, who runs a Buddhist Zazen Center in Frankfurt, Germany. It is a Buddhist phrase which reads JO RAKU GA JO, from the Enmei Jukku Kannon. The meanings of the Kanji are eternal, joyful, intimate and pure.

If you would like to learn how to make your own wallscroll or Kakejiku in a traditional handmade style, please contact to me at info@customjapanesecalligraphy.com.

My teaching style is to first demonstrate and then let the student perform the action. So this scroll is the one used to first demonstrate the step to the student. At first the student requested to make a Sandan Hyougu scroll, but I did not recommend this because there are extra steps required to finish the scroll. The Maru Hyougu scroll provides the basic steps to know how to begin to construct a scroll.

When designing this scroll we had to look at the color in the writing and find cloths that would complement the color. The silk that was selected is an olive green with a small karakusa pattern in it to be the chuumawashi. The bronze/copper color was chosen for the Ten & Chi. I truly believe that the selection of the jikusaki and kakehimo is critical to provide harmonious design in the scroll. The sparkly wood jikusaki called Nashi gives that extra match to the colors of the writing. The closeup also shows the floral arrangement. The flowers were purchased locally and the pecan branch was cut from my backyard.

Scroll dimensions as follows for bun
Ten:                         114
Ue Chuumawashi:      44
Ue Ichimonji:               5
Shihon Habasa:          73
Shihon Nagasa:        240
Hashira:                     18
Shita Ichimonji:            2.5
Shita Chuumawashi:   20
Chi:                           69
Kakejiku Habasa:    109
Kakejiku Nagasa:    489.5

Student Learning to Make Japanese Wallscroll (Kakejiku)

2011-02-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

This blog post is about a lesson of a student that came to learn how to make Wallscrolls or Kakejiku 掛け軸from me. It was a three day session from February 7^th to February 9^th. This student purchased my book How to Make Handmade Wallscrolls about 6 months ago. The reading was difficult as English was not her native tongue, and she felt it would be easier to learn it hands on than attempting to do it herself. If anyone would like to order the book go to www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com. You can also take a class directly at the Bonsai in the Bluegrass convention in Louisville Kentucky on June 16, 2011. If you have questions contact to info@customjapanesecalligraphy.com.

This student is a very talented calligrapher Shouka and not only studies with my wife, Ryugyoku, but also with several Japanese Buddhist Shoka as well. The first thing that she was not familiar with was removing the works after attaching the Urauchi (layer of paper attached to a cloth or a paper). The most time involved in the process was deciding the color of the kireji and kinran cloths. I suspected before the class started that this would take about one and a half hours.

Monday afternoon was then spent doing the Hada Urauchi on the Cloths, Ichimonji and artworks. I was very satisfied with her attention to detail. We did have two problems with one of the works, but that was not one selected for the final scrolls. Other topics discussed were alternative methods of doing the Urauchi and the proper preparation of the glue for each step. Another point she was surprised with was the ease with which the specialty paper that is used only for Urauchi helps in doing these steps correctly and especially not getting Shiwa (wrinkles) in the artwork.

Tuesday was an all day event removing the cloths, Ichimonji and artworks and then reassembling into the scroll. This was the longest day, and if we had not gone at the pace I made us go at we easily could have gone to 8:00 P.M. However, we finished at 5:00. The only complaint was that there were no coffee breaks…I am a bit of a slave driver, but it show how much I love my profession of scrollmaking.

Wednesday we did not really get started until about 11:45 AM. But it still took us until 3:00 PM to get everything done. The pictures are a few steps on this last day.

Pictures of finished scrolls will be posted tomorrow.

Zen Buddhism Japanese Calligraphy Scroll

2011-01-28T20:02:00.002-07:00

If you would like to order a scroll, go to www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com or e-mail to me at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com
The calligraphy for this scroll was not written by Yoshimi Maples, or Ryugyoku. It was written by Taiten Kaneta Roshi, a zen master that is the 25th Abbot of the Soto Zen Temple Tsudai-jikurihara in Miyagi Prefecture. Meaning of the scroll as follows thanks to Regina Oberndorfer and Reverend Fujita.

只管打坐　　shikantaza (Jusit sitting)

證上修 shoojoo(no)shuu (practice on the basis of the realization)

初発心時 shoposshinji (At the moment of arousing the mind for the awakening for the first time)

辨成正覚 benjoo shoogaku (understand and accomplish the true awakening)

三昧王三昧 zammai oozanmai (Samadhi king of samadhis)

盡十方界 jin jippookai (The entire world of the ten directions)

自己全身 jiko(no)zenshin (Whole body of the self)

本証通身 honshoo tuushin (Original realization penetration throughout the body)

妙修出身 myoosyuu syusshin (Wondrous practice coming out of the body)

The scroll is done as a yokojiku scroll. The Brass/Bronze color cloth is complemented with a Gold on Brown Ichimonji. Both the Kinran and the Kireji seem to make the gold and silver in the paper to be easily seen. This is the widest hashira that I have ever put on a scroll, and in some cases, it may have been a better choice to attach narrow pillars on the sides to create a Rinpou Hyougu scroll.

The customer also requested that Suji be put on this wallscroll. So this is not a typical Fukuro Hyougu style scroll in that it incorporates an Ichimonji with the work. The scroll has some beautiful finishing touches of an ebony/rosewood Jikusaki with a Gold band circling the end and a dark blue/black Hanging string.

Name in Kanji Name in English Size in Bun Size in Centimeters Size in Inches

天 Ten 95 287.85 11.33

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 11 33.33 1.31

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 218 660.54 26.01

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 83 251.49 9.90

柱 Pillars 50 151.5 5.96

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 7 21.21 0.84

地 Chi 72 218.16 8.59

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 318 963.54 37.93

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 268 812.04 31.97

Kyokushin Karate Scroll

2011-01-20T12:57:00.001-07:00

This large scroll has a mix of Calligraphy and Sumi-e. The writing is for a Karate Style called 極真会 Kyokushin Kai. This was developed by a Korean-Japanese Master named Masutatsu Oyama. 大山倍達 You can read more about it on wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyokushin_kaikan If you would like to work with us to design a personalized handmade kakejiku contact to Jonathan Maples at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com. I will send to you a design workbook to help you design all aspects of your scroll.

What I love most about this scroll is the mellow color of the Antique Cloth. The customer also requested Sumi-e to be drawn. There are two phoenixes facing each other at the top of the artwork and in the lower right hand corner is a Kanku. In the lower left hand corner is the logo of the dojo, which is a karateka in a seza (kneeling) position for meditation.

In picking the Ichimonji for this scroll, I was conflicted. A more neutral brown or gold may have worked, but I wanted to try something different. I used the red orange clouds for the Karateka to reach for the sky and to achieve lofty goals, and so I used the orange/red cloth. The scroll is completed by utilizing a beautiful dark brown dully lacquered wood jikusaki and a gold with white pattern Kakehimo. The writing tries to mimic the writing of the Kyokushin Kai in the Honbu in Japan.

The total scroll length is a little over 5.5 feet and the width is 14 inches. Dimensions of the scroll in traditional bun measurement as follows:

天 Ten 124

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 9

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 86

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 343
柱 Pillars 16
下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 5
地 Chi 87
掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 118
掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 568

Bushido Scroll with Cherry Blossoms

2011-01-15T17:10:00.001-07:00

This scroll was sold to the Western United States. This is a repeat customer.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

The scroll concept was designed earlier in the year but due to some extenuating circumstances it was not able to be completed until now. In designing the scroll, I wanted to have a more Japanese style scroll. So we utilized a Navy cloth with a Navy hanging string 掛け紐. The gold on red Ichimonji 一文字provides a strong transition between the artwork and the Navy cloth 裂地. The other point you notice on this scroll is a black lacquer wood jikusaki 軸先 that has a red ring around it to provide a continuation of the theme expressed in the Ichimonji.

The monochrome cherry blossoms were drawn by Ren Adams. You can see here artwork at www.renadamsart.com. The Calligraphy and the English writing of Bushido was written by Ryugyoku 龍玉. Both are talented artists and really work to provide beautiful centerpieces for customers.

Dimensions of the scroll are given in the traditional Bun 分measurement as follows. One Bun is approximately equal to 3.03 millimeters.

天 Ten 95

上一文字 Ue Ichimonji 10

紙本の幅さ Artwork Width 77

紙本の長さ Artwork Length 108

柱 Pillars 30

下一文字 Shita Ichimonji 6

地 Chi 61

掛け軸の幅さ Scroll Width 137

掛け軸の長さ Scroll Length 280

Tenbatsu-Divine Punishment Scroll

2011-01-06T19:19:00.001-07:00

This scroll was ordered directly from my online shop at http://www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/ It is headed somewhere in the deep Southeast of the US.

If you would like to order a custom scroll there are three ways to get started: 1. Go to my shopping site at www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com 2. Download my scroll design workbook from my website at www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com to read about the concepts behind kakejiku or wallscroll design. 3. E-mail to me directly at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com

The most interesting fact on this scroll is that my wife sure saved me a lot of headache. When the customer asked for Divine Punishment, I had no idea that there was a Japanese phrase for this. I did nail the second character batsu, but if it had been left to me to do the translation it would have been Shinbatsu...Like God, or the same character of Kami in Kamikaze...

Fortunately, I have a wonderful wife to help me get the Japanese correct. This scroll is written in the Kaisho, block print style. It is a beautifully written work and I am proud at how this scroll turned out. The darker antique cloth is complemented with a large gold on white ichimonji. The customer chose the black hanging string which is quite beautiful as well.

Scroll dimension given in the bun measurement.
Ten = 82
Ueichimonji = 13
Shihon no Habasa = 76
Shihon no Nagasa = 105
Hashira = 23
Shitaichimonji = 9
Chi = 58
Total Scroll Width = 122 (14.55 Inches)
Total Scroll Length = 267 (31.85 Inches)

Kakizome no Hi Writing

2011-01-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

This work is not done on a Shikishi because it will be used for a customer at a bonsai convention seminar I will be doing. The inkan has not been established yet, but will be in the futute. This was written by Ryugyoku Yamada, and she was mimicking the Gyousho style out of the 禅語古語字典. This phrase fell under the Serenity phrases, which is the idea that the bonsai artist was trying to use as the theme.

The deeper meaning from the book has been translated from Japanese in shortform below.

I am not applying the actual reading at this time out of respect for the customer.

True Calm/Quietness Is…

The saying “There is Nothing” is really quite a difficult concept to comprehend. Even while you are thinking that there is nothing here, in actuality you are there. In fact, it is claimed in the academic world there is no evidence for the existence of “nothing”. I wonder if you feel this discussion is getting more difficult.

The real scriptural phrase for this saying is, “Tori no Naku Koe ga Kikoe, Yama no Shizukesa ga Issou Fukumatta.” This phrase means, “Hearing the voice of the crying bird, the solitude of the mountain became all the more deep.” As one pushes oneself deeper into the mountains, upon hearing the song of a bird, the thoughts of there are no other sounds here but this bird races through the mind. The feeling of “This is quiet”, is contrary to what “quietness” actually is.

“Furuike ya Kawazu Tobikomu Mizu no Oto (古池や蛙飛び込む水の音) & Shizukesa ya Iwa ni Shimihairu Semi no Koe (静けさや岩に染み入る蝉の声)”The sound of the water after the dive of the frog” & “The stillness of the sound of the cicada sinking (absorbed) into the rock” (Jonathan’s Translations into more everyday English usage; Others are listed below) are two famous Matsuo Basho verses. The theme of the passages is the sound of the water and the sound of the cicada, but in actuality the verses are really about serenity and quietude.

In the beginning of our life, we use comparison to be conscious of our surroundings. If that is the expected way of going through life, at most one will barely be able to perceive the deepening emotions. Within deeper understanding, would arrive the dearness to ones heart of realizing that there is always “something” around us, even the “quiet”.

Sources for Matsuo Basho Poem translations.

http://www.bopsecrets.org/gateway/passages/basho-frog.htm

Into the ancient pond A frog jumps Water’s sound!

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Matsuo_Basho

How still it is! Stinging into the stones, The locusts' trill.