Art of War Is The Art of Peace Scroll

This scroll was designed by a person interested in the Martial Art called Tenshin Shouden Katori Shintou Ryuu. (天真正 伝香取神道流). This martial art is one of the oldest extant Japanese bujutsu systems, and was founded by Iizasa Chouisai Ienao 飯篠 長威斉 家直who was born in the Chiba prefecture area of Japan in 1387 A.D. This style of Martial Art is historically recognized as being founded in 1480 A.D.

The story of the transmittal of this martial art was from the deity of the Katori Shrine in Sawara, Japan. It is said that after 1,000 days of continuous daily and nightly practice, the deity of the Katori Shrine Futsunushi no Mikoto (経津主之命) visited Iizasa in a dream and transmitted to him this martial art strategy in a scroll called the Muroku Heihou no Shinsho.

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 particular martial art has been designated as an “Intangible Cultural Asset” from the Japanese government.

One of the main tenets of this martial art is the screening of new students that requires those who wish to enter to take a 血判 Keppan or blood oath. The oath states:

On becoming a member of the Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū which has been transmitted by the Great Deity of the Katori Shrine, I herewith affirm my pledge that:

1. I will not have the impertinence to discuss or demonstrate details of the ryū to either non-members or members, even if they are relatives;

2. I will not engage in altercations or misuse the art against others;

3. I will never engage in any kind of gambling nor frequent disreputable places.

4. I will not cross swords with any followers of other martial traditions without authorization.

I hereby pledge to firmly adhere to each of the above articles. Should I break any of these articles I will submit to the punishment of the Great Deity of Katori and the Great Deity Marishiten. Herewith I solemnly swear and affix my blood seal to this oath to these Great Deities.

To learn more about this martial art please go to this link for the Wikipedia site.

The scroll is a saying of Iizasa Soke, which reads Heihou Ha Heihou Nari. In English this means, “The Art of War is the Art of Peace”. Art could also be written as Way, and alternatively means, “The Way of War, is the Way of Peace”.

This beautiful phrase is written in a semi-cursive style called Gyousho by Ryugyoku. The chuumawashi is a green silk with a taupe Ten and Chi. The scroll was made in the Sandan Hyougu (Three Step) style. The Red Ichimonji was used to symbolize the Keppan or blood oath. In this case the brocade not only borders the top and bottom of the work, but also there is 2 分 bun border on the right and left hand sides of the 紙本 Shihon or artwork. Obedience to the Keppan are all encompassing in the life of the Katori Shintou Ryuu practitioner hence, it encompasses the entire work. The scroll is completed with a beautiful wood jikusaki that is lacquered red.

Making this scroll was both a challenge and very inspirational in being diligent to the end.

Joufuku Size Dojo Scrolls!

I don't think I even have to explain these pics....Customer's words..."Thank you! They are awesome!"
I have to say THANK YOU RYUGYOKU AND REN for your beautiful work.

 

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

Book to Make Kakejiku or Wallscrolls by Hand

You asked for it and now you can get it. Have you ever wondered how they create the beautiful wallscrolls called kakejiku with cloth and paper in Japan.  Here is your chance to learn. This newly published book shows the entire process of how to make your very own custom kakejiku. With pictures, graphs and simple to read text instructions, you too can learn how to make these scrolls by hand using tradtional Japanese techniques.

You can frame art prints, photographs, Japanese calligraphy or sumie into these scrolls. Providing beautiful decor for the home or office.

This book was a labor of love and took many months to prepare, edit and get ready for publication. The book is now available online. Book ISBN number is 978-1-4500-6755-3. Go to http://www.shop.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/ to order online. You may also e-mail directly to me at sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com to obtain additional information.

Fukuro Hyougu Scroll as Gift

This beautiful scroll was ordered from Canada as a graduation gift. The first thing one recognizes looking at the picture is there is no brocade, or ichimonji cloth bordering the artwork.

This is because it is a Fukuro Hyougu style scroll. This is the primary difference between the Maru Hyougu kakemono. Because this scroll utilized a light Khaki colored cloth, I inserted Suji onto the scroll. The three black lines are all 0.5 Bun in diameter. It is also capped with beautifully black lacquered wood jikusaki which really harmonizes the colors of the suji.

As mentioned above, this scroll is for an individual who graduated in Social Work/Counseling. We did not know where this will hang in a future office, but the neutral colors along with the good contrast of colors will allow it to hang almost anywhere.

The writing was done by my Shihan Calligrapher wife, Ryugyoku in the Kaisho style. The customer asked for balance and courage as the words for the scroll. These words are read as 平衡 Heikou and 勇気 Yuuki.

It is a strong reminder for future counseling recipients to have balance and courage to overcome their afflictions.

Dojo Karate Scroll

This custom piece was ordered from the Ozawa Cup tournament. It is a beautiful Hanshi scroll written in Kaisho style. The words beginning from the top right to bottom right and then top left to bottom left is Spirit 霊、Peace 和、and Discipline 鍛錬. The thing that I liked most about the scroll, is that although the hashira were quite narrow, about 10 bun, it seemed to bring out the bold strong strokes of the Calligraphy.

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

Dojo Scrolls Calligraphy 3 of 3

Late in entering this, but this is the third scroll in the series. Okay, I am sorry, but I feel that the translation is personal for this dojo, so if you can read Japanese great, you will know what is written if not...please become a member of this dojo to find out.

I really enjoyed working on this project. Although I am sure the customer is disappointed in the time frame it took to complete. It was necessary to be very thorough in the process to make the scrolls per the customers specifications.

I hope you enjoyed this series.

Look for more posts next week.