Enso Scroll 袋表具 Fukuro Hyougu

 The Fukuro Hyougu scroll is characterized by lines of cloth called Suji 筋in the Ten and Chi. The lines can run horizontal or vertical from just inside the Kan.

The Suji are typically much smaller (less than 1 Bun 分 which equals about 3 millimeters). But in this scroll, a thicker, black 3 Bun Suji was used to help provide contrast with the light, pale blue cloth.

I did not use Ichimonji to border the work, but what I did do was take Fukushima Silk 福島絹 and put that between the work and the Hada Urauchi (First Layer of backing paper). Although very light in both texture and color, this provides just a hint of the same cloth color around the Enso circle. (A deeper explanation on the Enso meaning is provided in a previous scroll translation.)

What I was trying to achieve was the Blue (In & Around the Enso), Black (Calligraphy Work), Blue (Cloth), Black (Suji), Blue (Cloth) and Black (Jikusaki). This provides a rounded overall feel of balance and coordination.

If you have questions about working with us to develop your own personalized framed scroll, contact Jonathan Maples at 435-656-1870 view my website at http://www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com/ or e-mail to sales@CustomJapaneseCalligraphy.com .

Fortitude -- Gouki 剛気

This is a custom request. The character reads Gouki, with the first character Gou meaning firm or hard. Ki is the character that means feeling and spirit. Together these mean fortitude. There is a style of Karate called Goujuu-ryu which incorporates this same first character.

This is written in the Kaisho, block print style.

The scroll is on a navy cloth with a white ichimonji that has a large gold ivy pattern. The scroll is finished with a beautiful black plastic Jikusaki and gold Kakehimo.

To design you own personalized scroll, please e-mail to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com.