Many custom options...

Tan Paper and Copper Silk Love Wall Scroll
Red Paper and Ivory Silk Love Wall Scroll
Orange Paper Love Scroll
Crazy Blue and Gold Silk Love Scroll


And formats...

Love Vertical Portrait
Love Horizontal Wall Scroll
Love Vertical Portrait

Simplified in Chinese / Japanese...

Buy a Simplified calligraphy wall scroll here!

Personalize your custom “Simplified” project by clicking the button next to your favorite “Simplified” title below...


  1. Simplicity

  2. Smooth and Steady

  3. Physical Strength

  4. Doctor

  5. France

  6. Qian

  7. Sakuragi

  8. Shotokan

  9. Kaylee

10. Shotokan Karate-Do

11. France

12. English / Briton / Person from England

13. Gemini

14. Empire

15. Twins

16. Ford

17. Honor

18. Gemini

19. Hitori

20. Navy SEALS

21. Serenity / Tranquility

22. Mumonkan / The Gateless Gate

23. Doctor

24. Sesshin

25. The Holy Trinity

26. The Gateless Gate

27. Courtesy / Etiquette

28. Manga

29. Kindheartedness / Benevolence / Humanity

30. Kingdom of Heaven

31. Opportunity

32. Independent Spirit / Independent Heart

33. Shakyamuni / The Buddha

34. Courtesy / Etiquette

35. Reincarnation

36. Sushi

37. Shiatsu-Do

38. Kingdom of Heaven

39. Respect

40. Zen / Chan / Meditation

41. Tang Soo Do / Tang Hand Way

42. Banzai / Wansui

43. Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth

44. Banzai

45. Taido

46. Reiki

47. Hapkido

48. Guanxi


 jiǎn
 kan
 
Simplicity Scroll

簡 expresses the idea of something simple or the essence of simplicity in life in Chinese.

This can also refer to a simple slip of bamboo for taking notes or writing a letter (especially in Korean Hanja).

Technically this is a word meaning simplicity and brevity in Japanese but it's rarely used in modern Japanese. Therefore, you should probably only select this character if your audience is Chinese.


See Also:  Brevity

Smooth and Steady

 píng wěn
 heion
Smooth and Steady Scroll

平穩 can also be translated as calmness, quietness, or quietude and is used in Chinese and Korean.

The version shown here would be considered the ancient Japanese form. The second character has been simplified in Japan (the same simplified form is used in mainland China, except for calligraphy).

Please include special instructions with your order if you want the simplified form of that second character. Both forms can be universally read.


See Also:  Smooth Sailing

Physical Strength

 tǐ lì
 tairyoku
Physical Strength Scroll

体力 means “physical strength” or “physical power.”

The first character was first simplified in Japan. Later, that simplified version became the standard in mainland China. Just in case you want this version, it is offered here. I suggest it if your audience is Japanese. Most Chinese know the older traditional version, which looks like 體力.

体力 can also be defined: stamina; endurance; physical strength; resilience; resistance to disease; clout; stability.

 yī shēng
Doctor Scroll

醫生 is the title used to refer to medical doctors or physicians in China.

Note: Sometimes, this same term is used in Korean, but not common.

The meaning is close to “healer [of] life” as the first character, 醫, can mean medicine, the healing art, healing, curing, medical, to cure, or to treat. The second character, 生, means birth or life.

医 生 In Japan, they use a simplified version of the first character (医生 is also used as the Simplified Chinese version of Doctor). If you want this version, please click the characters to the right instead of the button above.

 fà guó
 furansu
France Scroll

法国 is the most common modern Japanese and Simplified Chinese way to write the title for the country of France.

 gān qián
 ken
 
Qian Scroll

This can be the Chinese ancient surname Gan or current surname Qian. In Japanese, it can be the surname Nukui, Susumu, Ken, Kan, Kawaki, Kawai, Inute, or Inui.

The meaning of this character varies a lot depending on context. These meanings include dry, clean, foster, adoptive, heaven, male, masculine, enduring, or continual.

The “Gan” version of this character was converted to Simplified Chinese as 干 in 1965. However, the “Qian” pronunciation is not associated with 干. Though to add to the confusion, there is an unrelated Simplified Chinese character 千 that romanizes as “Qian” and is also a surname.

 sakuragi
sakuraki
Sakuragi Scroll

櫻木 is the Japanese surname Sakuragi or Sakuraki in the traditional form.

Post-WWII language reforms simplified the first Kanji making it now written as 桜木.

 sōng tāo guǎn
 shou tou kan
Shotokan Scroll

松濤館 are the Kanji characters that make up the title for Shotokan.

This should be considered a Japanese-only title. It does make sense and is pronounceable in Chinese and Korean but only as a title for a building (perhaps a martial arts hall) surrounded by pine trees. Also, the first two characters were simplified in both Japanese and Chinese. The third character was simplified in Chinese but not Japanese.

Upon request, we can offer the fully traditional Chinese version but be sure you know what you are asking for.

Note: This would be understood in Chinese and Korean Hanja by a person from those cultures who is familiar with martial arts and various schools of Japanese karate.

 kǎi lì
Kaylee Scroll

This is the most common transliteration to Mandarin Chinese for the name Kaylee.

Note: You will also see this written in the Simplified Chinese way as 凯丽.

Shotokan Karate-Do

 sōng tāo guǎn kōng shǒu dào
 shou tou kan kara te dou
Shotokan Karate-Do Scroll

鬆濤館空手道 art the Japanese Kanji that make up the title for Shotokan Karate.

This should be considered a Japanese-only title. It does make sense and is pronounceable in Chinese and Korean but only as a title for a building (perhaps a martial arts hall) surrounded by pine trees - followed by the characters for “The empty hand method” (kong shou dao / Karate-do). Also, the first two characters were simplified in both Japanese and Chinese. The third character was simplified in Chinese but not Japanese.

Upon request, we can offer the fully traditional Chinese version but be sure you know what you are asking for.

Note: This would be understood in Chinese and Korean Hanja by a person from those cultures familiar with martial arts and various schools of Japanese karate.

 fà guó
 furansu
France Scroll

法國 is the most common title for the country of France.

This version is the traditional form in Chinese and Japanese. In Simplified Chinese and modern Japanese, it's written 法国.

English / Briton / Person from England

 yīng guó rén
 ei koku jin
English / Briton / Person from England Scroll

英國人 is the traditional Chinese and Japanese way to write British person, Briton, English person, Englishman, Englishwoman, etc.

In modern Japan, the middle character has been simplified, making it 英国人. This same simplification is used in mainland China as well.

Gemini Zodiac Symbol / Sign

 shuāng zǐ zuò
 futago-za
Gemini Zodiac Symbol / Sign Scroll

雙子座 is the Japanese way to write Gemini (twins) from western astrology.

This also happens to be the Simplified Chinese version of this title - however, I recommend the Traditional Chinese version if your audience is Chinese.


See Also:  Chinese Zodiac

 dì guó
 teikoku
Empire Scroll

帝國 is a Japanese and Chinese word that means empire or imperial.

Note: In modern Japan, they tend to write 帝国 instead of 帝國. Let us know if you want the modern Japanese (which is also the Simplified Chinese) version.

 futago
Twins Scroll

双子 means twins or twin in Japanese Kanji.

双子 is also a way to write twins in Simplified Chinese. In Traditional Chinese and old Japanese, it's 雙子.

This can also be a Japanese place name, Futago.

 fú tè
Ford Scroll

福特 is the name Ford transliterated into Mandarin Chinese.

This is also the short form for Ford Motor Company and Ford automobiles in China. The long version is 福特汽車 in Traditional Chinese or 福特汽车 in Simplified Chinese.

Honor

(Modern Japanese version)

 míng yù
 meiyo
Honor Scroll

名譽 is a version of honor that is about having or earning the respect of others and about your reputation.

It is the status of being worthy of honor (not to be confused with doing honorable things or specific actions - see our other “honor” listing for that).

譽 Both modern Japanese and modern mainland Chinese use the same simplified version of the second character of honor. You can make a special request for the traditional second character as shown to the right (just click on that character to the right of you want to order that version). Before WWII, both Japan and China used the traditional form but modern Japanese and Chinese use this simplified form. Koreans still use the traditional form when they are not writing in their modern Hangul glyphs.


This is also a virtue of the Samurai Warrior
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here

Gemini Zodiac Symbol / Sign

 shuāng zǐ zuò
 futago-za
Gemini Zodiac Symbol / Sign Scroll

雙子座 is the Chinese way to write Gemini (twins) of western astrology.

This was also the version used in Japan until they simplified the first Kanji to 双 after WWII. If you need the modern Japanese 双子座 instead of the older 雙子座, just let me know when you place your order.


See Also:  Chinese Zodiac

 dú
 hitori / doku
 
Hitori Scroll

This is the Japanese given name 独 which romanizes as Hitori or Doku.

Originally this was written as 獨 but was simplified/modernized in Japan at some point.

独 can also be an abbreviation for Germany.

The actual meaning is alone, independent, single, sole, only, or solitary.


This is also a Simplified Chinese character, but most Chinese calligraphers would prefer to write the Traditional Chinese of 獨 instead of 独.

 hǎi bào bù duì
Navy SEALS Scroll

海豹部隊 is the title for United States Navy SEALs in Chinese. The U.S. part is implied, as few, if any, other nations claim to have sailors with the title “navy seals.”

Sometimes the term 海豹突击队 (Simplified) or 海豹突擊隊 (Traditional) is also used in Chinese. It means “Seal Commando Team.”

Serenity / Tranquility

 seion
Serenity / Tranquility Scroll

靜穏 is a Japanese-specific way to express “serenity” or “tranquility.”

Notes: The second Kanji is not a Chinese character - it was morphed or developed in Japan after Chinese characters were absorbed into the Japanese language during the 5th century.
The first character is slightly-simplified from the original Chinese form but still recognizable.


See Also:  Peace

Mumonkan / The Gateless Gate

 mu mon kan
Mumonkan / The Gateless Gate Scroll

無門関 is the specifically Japanese title for “The Gateless Barrier.” This has both direct meaning and is the title of a 13th-century collection of koans, compiled by Zen Master Mumon (actually a Chinese Chan Master known as Wumen in China).

The original title is 無門關, but the last Kanji was simplified to 関 in modern Japan.

 yī shī
 i shi
Doctor Scroll

醫師 is the title used to refer to medical doctors or physicians in old Korean Hanja.

Notes:
Also means “doctor” in Chinese but is not the most commonly used title.
醫師 is the ancient/traditional form of doctor in Japanese (they simplified the first character to 医 in Japan after WWII).

 jiē xīn
 sesshin
Sesshin Scroll

接心 is a Japanese Buddhist term meaning concentration or a period of intensive zazen.

While 接心 is the most common way to write this, other variants include 攝心 (Traditional Chinese), 摂心 (alternate Japanese), and 摄心 (Simplified Chinese). If you need any of these alternate forms, just let me know and I will set it up with the calligrapher for you.


While this is a Japanese term, it will be recognized by most Chinese folks at a Japanese Buddhist term and they will pronounce it as “jiē xīn” in Mandarin.

The Holy Trinity

 sān wèi yì tǐ
The Holy Trinity Scroll

三位一體 is the Chinese and old Korean way to write Holy Trinity.

This would be understood in Japanese as well, but they tend to write it with the last character simplified like 三位一体 in modern Japan.

This can be translated literally as “Three Thrones, One Body.”
Asian Christians will understand this as the Trinity, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Gateless Gate

 wú mén guān
 mu mon kan
The Gateless Gate Scroll

無門關 is the ancient title for “The Gateless Barrier.” This has both direct meaning and is the title of a 13th-century collection of koans, compiled by a Chinese Chan Master known as Wumen in China (known in Japan as Zen Master Mumon).

While this is the original title, you may see this written as 無門関 in Japan, where the last character, 關, was simplified to 関 after 1945.

Courtesy / Etiquette

 lǐ yì
 rei gi
Courtesy / Etiquette Scroll

In Japanese, 礼儀 means “manners,” “courtesy,” or “etiquette.”

This also clearly means etiquette in Chinese, though the first Japanese Kanji has been “modernized” and happens to be the same as the modern Simplified Chinese version. Therefore, this word will be understood by both Japanese and Chinese people but best if your audience is mostly Japanese (Chinese people would generally prefer the ancient Traditional Chinese version).


See Also:  Kindness | Respect

 màn huà
 manga
Manga Scroll

漫画 is the Japanese word for cartoon, comic, caricature, or comic strip.

The older traditional form is 漫畫 and is sometimes still used in Taiwan and China (and occasionally in Japan) when referring specifically to Japanese comics.

You'll see the same 漫画 used in Mainland China as well since 画 is not just the modern Japanese form but also the Simplified Chinese version of the original 畫.

Kindheartedness / Benevolence / Humanity

 rén dé
 jintoku
Kindheartedness / Benevolence / Humanity Scroll

仁德 is a word that can be translated as love, kindheartedness, benevolence, and humanity.

The first character means benevolence by itself.
The second character means virtue or morality.

Japanese note: The second Kanji of this word has been slightly simplified (one tiny horizontal stroke removed). It is still readable for Japanese but if you select our Japanese calligrapher, expect that stroke to be missing on your wall scroll.

Kingdom of Heaven

 tiān guó
 tengoku
Kingdom of Heaven Scroll

天国 is the same meaning and pronunciation as our other entry for “Kingdom of Heaven,” but the second character was simplified in Japan and mainland China to this version.

Choose the appearance that you like best (they will be somewhat universally understood - as most people are aware of this simplification in places where they still use all traditional characters - such as Taiwan and Hong Kong). You can consider the other version to be the “ancient version.”

 jī huì
 kikai
Opportunity Scroll

機会 is a common way to express “opportunity” in Japanese.

The first character means “chance,” and the second can be translated as “meeting.”

So in Japanese business, a “chance meeting” represents a real “opportunity.”

Note that this also means opportunity in Chinese, but it's more an oral or informal word in Mandarin. Also, the second Kanji is the same as the simplified version of the hui Chinese character.

Independent Spirit / Independent Heart

 dokuritsushin
Independent Spirit / Independent Heart Scroll

獨立心 means independent spirit or independent heart in Japanese.

The first two characters mean independent or independence. The third character means spirit, heart, or mind.

獨立心 is a Japanese term, although Chinese people could guess the meaning (the characters make sense individually in Chinese but are not often used this way). Also, the first character would be written 獨 in Traditional Chinese versus 独 which is the Simplified Chinese and modern Japanese version.

Shakyamuni / The Buddha

 shì jiā
 sha ka
Shakyamuni / The Buddha Scroll

釈迦 is the way to write Shakyamuni in Japanese.

It's just two Kanji, the first is a simplified version of the one used in Chinese for Shakyamuni, and the second one is identical to the Chinese.
This refers to the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama, 563 BCE-483 BCE) also known as Sakyamuni and Gautama Buddha.

This has a very good meaning in Japanese but is an odd selection for a wall scroll. It appears here more for reference.

Courtesy / Etiquette

 lǐ yì
Courtesy / Etiquette Scroll

In Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and old Japanese Kanji, 禮儀 means “etiquette” or “courtesy.”

You'll also find a Japanese entry on our website, which uses a modern/simplified first Kanji. The characters shown here compose the best choice if your audience is Chinese or Korean - but also acceptable if you want an ancient-style Japanese scroll (in modern Japanese, it has the same pronunciation, but is written 礼儀).

Note: This can also be translated as propriety, decorum, or formality.

Reincarnation (Buddhism)

 zhuǎn shì
 ten sei
Reincarnation (Buddhism) Scroll

轉世 is the Buddhist idea of reincarnation or transmigration.

Other definitions of this term: “Attainer of Nirvana from within the desire realm,” “A practitioner who enters directly into Nirvana from the desire realm, without traversing the form and formless realms. One of the 27 kinds of Hinayana sages,” or simply, “to return again to this life.”

轉世 is also a Japanese title, but the first Kanji was slightly simplified after WWII. Just let us know if you want the modern Japanese version when you order.


See Also:  Buddhism | Rebirth

 shòu sī
 su shi
Sushi Scroll

Got a 寿司/sushi restaurant and need an appropriate wall scroll? Or maybe you love sushi enough to have it on your wall. This sushi calligraphy scroll is for you.

Note that the written characters for sushi are the same in Chinese and Japanese. However, the first character is actually a modern Japanese / Simplified Chinese, so in some cases, it will be written differently in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and some older Japanese sushi restaurants where you might see 壽司 instead of 寿司.

 shiatsudou
Shiatsu-Do Scroll

指圧道 is the title for Shiastu-Do, the Japanese way of finger pressure.

Shitsu-Do is about applying special finger pressure to points on the body thought to be connected to pathways called “meridians.” Shiatsu is a healthful way to get your 気 or 氣 (ki energy) flowing properly.

Note: This title can also be written in the older 指壓道 form (just the middle character has an ancient/traditional form used before WWII).
You might even see 指压道 which uses the Simplified Chinese form of the second character.

Kingdom of Heaven

 tiān guó
 tengoku
Kingdom of Heaven Scroll

天國 is the very Christian way to refer to the “Kingdom of Heaven” in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese. 天國 is also the translation for “paradise.”

The first character means “Heaven.” The second character means “kingdom” but, in modern times, has been extended to mean “country” (but no one will translate this particular character combination as “Heaven Country”). 天國 is the ancient version of this word, as in modern times (after WWII), the second character was simplified in mainland China and Japan.

Respect

Politeness, Gratitude and Propriety

 lǐ
 rei
Respect Scroll

礼 is one of the five tenets of Confucius.

Beyond respect, 礼 can also be translated as propriety, good manners, politeness, rite, worship, or an expression of gratitude.

We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and honor the rules of our family, school, and nation. Respect yourself, and others will respect you.

禮 Chinese RespectPlease note that Japanese use this simplified 礼 version of the original 禮 character for respect. 礼 also happens to be the same simplification used in mainland China. While 禮 is the traditional and original version, 礼 has been used as a shorthand version for many centuries. Click on the big 禮 character to the right if you want the Traditional Chinese and older Japanese versions.


This is also a virtue of the Samurai Warrior
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here


See Also:  Confucius

Zen / Chan / Meditation

...as in Zen Buddhism

 chán
 zen
 
Zen / Chan / Meditation Scroll

First, let's correct something: The Japanese romanization for this character, “Zen” has penetrated the English language. In English, it's almost always incorrectly used for phrases like “That's so zen.” Nobody says, “That's so meditation” - right? As the title of a sect, this would be like saying, “That's so Baptist!"

禪 by itself just means “meditation.” In that context, it should not be confined to use by any one religion or sect.

Regardless of the dictionary definition, more often than not, this character is associated with Buddhism. And here is one of the main reasons:
Zen is used as the title of a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, which strongly emphasizes meditation practice.
However, it should be noted that Buddhism came from India, and “Chan Buddhism” evolved and developed in medieval China. The Chinese character “Chan” was eventually pronounced as “Zen” in Japanese. Chan Buddhists in China have much in common with Zen Buddhists in Japan.

More about the history of Zen Buddhism here.

Please also note that the Japanese Kanji character for Zen has evolved a little in Japan, and the two boxes (kou) that you see at the top of the right side of the character have been replaced by three dots with tails. Japanese Zen Kanji The original character would still be generally understood and recognized in Japanese (it's considered an ancient version in Japan) but if you want the specifically modern Japanese version, please click on the zen Kanji to the right. Technically, there is no difference between the Tensho and Reisho versions of Zen since they are ancient character styles that existed long before Japan had a written language.

Chinese Zen/Chan CharacterThere is also an alternate/shorthand/simplified Chinese version, which has two dots or tails above the right-side radical. This version is also popular for calligraphy in China. If you want this version, just click the character to the right.


Further notes: Zen is just one of seven sects of Buddhism practiced in Japan. The others are 律 Ritsu (or Risshū), 法相 Hossō, 論 Sanron 華嚴 Kegon, 天台 Tendai, and 眞言 Shingon.

Tang Soo Do / Tang Hand Way

 táng shǒu dào
 kara te do
Tang Soo Do / Tang Hand Way Scroll

唐手道 is the alternate title for Karate-do.

This title uses a character, 唐, which represents the Tang Dynasty of China. Thus, this is often translated as the “Tang Hand Way” or incorrectly, “Tang Fist Way.”
I have also seen some call it “China Hand Way.”
Many in Korea refer to and romanize these characters as “Tang Soo Do” (당수도) where these characters refer to a kind of Korean style of Karate.

There is not a lot of information on this title but some believe that a simplified form of Kung Fu that started in China and ended up very popular in Japan used this title initially. It was later changed in Japan to a different Karate title which means “Empty Hand” (as in, without weapons).

Note: When used in Korean, this is pronounced 당수도. This title is often romanized as “Tang Soo Do,” “Tangsudo,” “Dang Su Do,” or “Dangsudo.” The last two romanizations on that list are the official Korean government romanization, though martial arts schools tend to use other non-standard versions.

Banzai / Wansui

Old Japanese / Traditional Chinese & Korean

 wàn suì
 banzai / manzai
Banzai / Wansui Scroll

萬歲 is the traditional Chinese, Korean Hanja, and ancient Japanese way of writing banzai.

In modern times, the first character was simplified in Japan and China. So you might want to select the other entry for universal readability.

While it has become a popular, if not an odd, thing to scream as you jump out of an airplane (preferably with a parachute attached), banzai is actually a very old Asian way to say “hooray.” The Japanese word “banzai” comes from the Chinese word “wan sui,” which means “The age of 10,000 years.” It is actually a wish that the Emperor or the Empire live that long.

Imagine long ago when the Emperor made a rare public appearance. 萬歲 is what all people would yell to their leader in respect.

So if you like it as a hooray, or you want to wish someone that they live for 10,000 years, this is the calligraphy for you.

Other translations include Cheers! (not the drinking kind), hurrah!, long live [name]!, and congratulations!

To other things with banzai in their names, I am still waiting for the promised sequel to Buckaroo Banzai.

Notes: Sometimes people confuse banzai with bonsai. A bonsai is a miniature tree. They have nothing to do with each other.

Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth

 kyo jitsu
Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth Scroll

虚実 is a Japanese word that means “falsehood [and] truth” or “fiction [and] fact.”

This concept is used in warfare, gameplay, and martial arts strategies. 虚実 can be a strategy of real and/or deceptive moves. This gets to some Sun Tzu Art of War stuff where in warfare a strategic move is either a real and serious move or it is a deceptive blow.

Let's explore each character in more depth:

was originally written (there is a very subtle difference in the strokes at the bottom of the character) and means unpreparedness, falsehood, emptiness, void, abstract theory, empty or unoccupied, diffident or timid, false, humble or modest, virtual, or in vain.
In the Buddhist context, 虛 represents the Pali/Sanskrit word “śūnya,” meaning empty, vacant, unreal, unsubstantial, untrue, space, humble, or in vain.
In ancient Eastern/Chinese astronomy, 虛 represents the “Emptiness” constellation (one of the 28 mansions in the sky).

was originally in Chinese (they currently write it as in Simplified Chinese) with the meaning, truth, reality, sincerity, honesty, fidelity, and substance.
The Buddhist context is similar, adding real, true, honest, really, solid, definitely, sincere, solid, fixed, full, to fill, fruit, kernel, verily, in fact, the supreme fact, or ultimate reality to the definition.

Banzai

Modern Japanese Version

 wàn suì
 banzai
Banzai Scroll

万歲 is the modern Japanese way to write banzai.

We've made two almost identical entries for this word, with just a variation on the first character. In the last century, 萬 was simplified to 万 in Japan and China. The new generation will expect it to be written as 万 but the old generation can still read the more traditional 萬 form. You must make your determination as to what version is best for you. If your audience is mostly Japanese, I suggest 万歲.

While it has become a popular, if not an odd, thing to scream as you jump out of an airplane (preferably with a parachute attached), banzai is actually a very old Asian way to say “hooray.” The Japanese word “banzai” comes from the Chinese word “wan sui” which means “The age of 10,000 years.” It is actually a wish that the Emperor or the Empire live that long.

Imagine long ago when the Emperor made a rare public appearance. This is what all of the people would yell to their leader in respect.

So if you like it as a hooray, or you want to wish someone that they live for 10,000 years, this is the calligraphy for you.

To other things with banzai in their names, I am still waiting for the promised sequel to Buckaroo Banzai.

Other translations: hurrah, long life, congratulations, cheers, live long.

Notes: Sometimes people confuse banzai with bonsai. A bonsai is a miniature tree. They have nothing to do with each other. Further, Bonzai is not a word at all - although it would make a great name for a calcium supplement for older people.

 tai dou
Taido Scroll

Taidō (The Way of the Body) is a style of Karate practiced in Japan and popular worldwide.

Taidō or 躰道 traces a lineage from Genseiryū (玄制流), which came from Shuri-te (首里手), one of the original martial arts schools of ancient Okinawa.

The first character 躰 is a variant of the original Chinese character 體. In modern Japan, they tend to use 体, a more simple character form. 体 is also the modern Simplified Chinese form of 體.
The 躰 character is correct for this 躰道 martial arts title. But it can be confusing with so many variants out there, not to mention other homophonic Japanese words that also romanize as Taidō or Taidou.

To have a bit more fun with this 躰 character, it has a 身 radical on the left, which sets it apart. The meaning doubles up on the “body” as 身 (shin) is a character that also means body in Japanese and Chinese. On the right is 本, which often means root, stem, origin, source, or fundamental (but can also mean “book” in some contexts). This has deviated from the original 體 which was 骨 (bone) + 豊 (vessel). Hence, the body was your “bone vessel” in ancient Asia.

The meaning of 躰, as well as 體 and 体, is usually translated as the body. When related to the physical body, it can also refer to the torso, trunk, build, physique, or the constitution of a person. As an extension of this, it can also refer to someone's health (good body = good health).
However, depending on the context, it can encompass other meanings such as form, style, system, experience, aspect, corpus, corporeal, substance, or essentials.

The second character, 道, is recognized and well-known as the “Way” and is the same “do” as in Karate-do or Aikido.

 líng qì
 reiki
Reiki Scroll

靈氣 is the title of a healing practice now found globally but with origins in Japan.

Special note: Outside of the context of the healing practice of Reiki, this means “aura” or “spiritual essence that surrounds all living things.” A Japanese person unfamiliar with the practice will take the “aura” meaning.

Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also heals. It can be compared to massage but is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If your life force energy is low, you'll be more likely to get sick or feel stressed. If your life force energy is abundant and flowing well, you become more capable of being happy and healthy.

There is a lot of information available if you want to Google this term - my job is to offer the calligraphy while you can decide if it is right for you.

Note: We are showing the ancient (traditional) form of the Reiki Kanji. I have seen Reiki written with the slightly simplified version and this more classic form. If you want the form of Reiki with the two strokes in the shape of an X on the second character and the modern first character, simply click on the Kanji characters to the right.

Note: 靈氣 is also a Chinese word, but in Chinese, these characters create a word that refers to a smart person or someone with high aspirations. It is not read as a healing method in Chinese.
In Korean Hanja, this can be read as a “mysterious atmosphere” by a Korean who is not familiar with the practice of Reiki (still has a cool meaning in Korean).

Hapkido

Korean Martial Art of re-directing force

 hé qì dào
 ai ki do
Hapkido Scroll

Hapkido or 合氣道 is a mostly-defensive martial art in Korea.

Hapkido has some connection to the Aikido of Japan. They are written with the same characters in both languages. However, it should be noted that the Korean Hanja characters shown here are the traditional Chinese form - but in modern Japan, the middle character was slightly simplified.
Note: You can consider this to be the older Japanese written form of Aikido. Titles on older books and signs about Aikido use this form.

The connection between Japanese Aikido and Korean Hapkido is muddled in history. The issue is probably due to the difficult relationship between the two countries around WWII. Many Koreans became virtual slaves to the Japanese during that period. After WWII, many things in Korea were disassociated from having any Japanese origin. The relationship has greatly mellowed out now.

Looking at the characters, the first means “union” or “harmony.”
The second character means “universal energy” or “spirit.”
The third means “way” or “method.”
One way to translate this into English is the “Harmonizing Energy Method.” This makes sense, as Hapkido has more to do with redirecting energy than fighting strength against strength.

More Hapkido info

More notes:
1. Sometimes Hapkido is Romanized as “hap ki do,” “hapki-do” “hab gi do” or “hapgido.”

2. Korean Hanja characters are actually Chinese characters that usually hold the same meaning in both languages. There was a time when these characters were the standard and only written form of Korean. The development of modern Korean Hangul characters is a somewhat recent event in the greater scope of history. There was a time when Chinese characters were the written form of many languages in places known in modern times as North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, and a significant portion of Malaysia. Even today, more people in the world can read Chinese characters than English.

3. While these Korean Hanja characters can be pronounced in Chinese, this word is not well-known in China and is not considered part of the Chinese lexicon.

Guanxi

The Chinese Concept of Relationship and Exchange of Favors

 guān xì
 kankei
Guanxi Scroll

The dictionary definition is:
Relations/relationship, to concern, to affect, to have to do with, or connection.

But there's more to it...

In China, the relationship that you have with certain people can open doors for you. Having guanxi with someone also means they would never defraud you but are honor-bound to treat you fairly (of course, this goes both ways). Sometimes it is suggested that guanxi is the exchange of favors. 關繫 / 関繫 / 關係 is more about having a relationship that allows you to ask for and expect favors without shame.

There is no concept in western culture that exactly matches guanxi, but perhaps having a social or professional network is similar.

Note that there are some variations common within Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja for this word...

関Japanese tend to use a Chinese alternate form as shown to the right for
the first character.

關There's also another alternate form of that first character (currently used as the official Simplified form in mainland China) which looks like the character shown to the right. It's basically the central radical of the alternate version shown above but without the “door radical” around it. In more free-flowing calligraphy styles, this version would be the likely choice for a calligrapher.

係In Modern Japanese, they use the character shown to the right.
They also tend to use this same form in Korean Hanja (I've only checked this word in my Korean dictionary, but it has not been confirmed by a translator's review).

系If that was not confusing enough, there is another alternate form of that second character. See right.

An Asian calligrapher of any nationality may use these forms at their discretion. However, They would tend to stick to the most common form used in their respective languages.

If you have any preference on any of these issues, please give us a special note with your order, and we'll make sure it's done the way you want.


The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...

Title CharactersRomaji (Romanized Japanese)Various forms of Romanized Chinese
Simplicity
kanjiǎn / jian3 / jianchien
Smooth and Steady平穩
平稳
heionpíng wěn / ping2 wen3 / ping wen / pingwenp`ing wen / pingwen / ping wen
Physical Strength體力
体力
tairyokutǐ lì / ti3 li4 / ti li / tilit`i li / tili / ti li
Doctor醫生
医生
yī shēng / yi1 sheng1 / yi sheng / yishengi sheng / isheng
France法國
法国
furansufà guó / fa4 guo2 / fa guo / faguofa kuo / fakuo
Qian
kengān qián
gan1 / qian2
gan / qian
gan/qian
kan ch`ien
kanchien
kan chien
Sakuragi櫻木sakuragi
sakuraki
Shotokan鬆濤館
松涛館
shou tou kan
shoutoukan
sho to kan
sōng tāo guǎn
song1 tao1 guan3
song tao guan
songtaoguan
sung t`ao kuan
sungtaokuan
sung tao kuan
Kaylee凱麗
凯丽
kǎi lì / kai3 li4 / kai li / kailik`ai li / kaili / kai li
Shotokan Karate-Do鬆濤館空手道
松涛館空手道
shou tou kan kara te dou
shoutoukankaratedou
sho to kan kara te do
sōng tāo guǎn kōng shǒu dào
song1 tao1 guan3 kong1 shou3 dao4
song tao guan kong shou dao
songtaoguankongshoudao
sung t`ao kuan k`ung shou tao
sungtaokuankungshoutao
sung tao kuan kung shou tao
France法國
法国
furansufà guó / fa4 guo2 / fa guo / faguofa kuo / fakuo
English
Briton
Person from England
英國人
英国人
ei koku jin
eikokujin
yīng guó rén
ying1 guo2 ren2
ying guo ren
yingguoren
ying kuo jen
yingkuojen
Gemini Zodiac Symbol
Sign
雙子座
双子座
futago-zashuāng zǐ zuò
shuang1 zi3 zuo4
shuang zi zuo
shuangzizuo
shuang tzu tso
shuangtzutso
Empire帝國
帝国
teikokudì guó / di4 guo2 / di guo / diguoti kuo / tikuo
Twins雙子
双子
futago
Ford福特fú tè / fu2 te4 / fu te / futefu t`e / fute / fu te
Honor名譽
名誉
meiyomíng yù / ming2 yu4 / ming yu / mingyuming yü / mingyü
Gemini Zodiac Symbol
Sign
雙子座
双子座
futago-zashuāng zǐ zuò
shuang1 zi3 zuo4
shuang zi zuo
shuangzizuo
shuang tzu tso
shuangtzutso
Hitorihitori / dokudú / du2 / dutu
Navy SEALS海豹部隊
海豹部队
hǎi bào bù duì
hai3 bao4 bu4 dui4
hai bao bu dui
haibaobudui
hai pao pu tui
haipaoputui
Serenity
Tranquility
靜穏
静穏
seion
Mumonkan
The Gateless Gate
無門関mu mon kan / mumonkan
Doctor醫師
医师
i shi / ishiyī shī / yi1 shi1 / yi shi / yishii shih / ishih
Sesshin接心sesshin / seshinjiē xīn / jie1 xin1 / jie xin / jiexinchieh hsin / chiehhsin
The Holy Trinity三位一體
三位一体
sān wèi yì tǐ
san1 wei4 yi4 ti3
san wei yi ti
sanweiyiti
san wei i t`i
sanweiiti
san wei i ti
The Gateless Gate無門關
无门关
mu mon kan / mumonkanwú mén guān
wu2 men2 guan1
wu men guan
wumenguan
wu men kuan
wumenkuan
Courtesy
Etiquette
礼儀 / 禮儀
礼仪
rei gi / reigilǐ yì / li3 yi4 / li yi / liyili i / lii
Manga漫画mangamàn huà / man4 hua4 / man hua / manhua
Kindheartedness
Benevolence
Humanity
仁德jintokurén dé / ren2 de2 / ren de / rendejen te / jente
Kingdom of Heaven天國
天国
tengokutiān guó / tian1 guo2 / tian guo / tianguot`ien kuo / tienkuo / tien kuo
Opportunity機會
机会
kikaijī huì / ji1 hui4 / ji hui / jihuichi hui / chihui
Independent Spirit
Independent Heart
獨立心
独立心
dokuritsushin
Shakyamuni
The Buddha
釈迦sha ka / shakashì jiā / shi4 jia1 / shi jia / shijiashih chia / shihchia
Courtesy
Etiquette
禮儀
礼仪
lǐ yì / li3 yi4 / li yi / liyili i / lii
Reincarnation (Buddhism)轉世
转世
ten sei / tenseizhuǎn shì
zhuan3 shi4
zhuan shi
zhuanshi
chuan shih
chuanshih
Sushi壽司
寿司
su shi / sushishòu sī / shou4 si1 / shou si / shousishou ssu / shoussu
Shiatsu-Do指圧道shiatsudou / shiatsudo
Kingdom of Heaven天國
天国
tengokutiān guó / tian1 guo2 / tian guo / tianguot`ien kuo / tienkuo / tien kuo
Respect
reilǐ / li3 / li
Zen
Chan
Meditation

zenchán / chan2 / chanch`an / chan
Tang Soo Do
Tang Hand Way
唐手道kara te do / karatedotáng shǒu dào
tang2 shou3 dao4
tang shou dao
tangshoudao
t`ang shou tao
tangshoutao
tang shou tao
Banzai
Wansui
萬歲
万岁
banzai / manzaiwàn suì / wan4 sui4 / wan sui / wansui
Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth虚実kyo jitsu / kyojitsu
Banzai万歲 / 萬歲
万岁
banzaiwàn suì / wan4 sui4 / wan sui / wansui
Taido躰道tai dou / taidou / tai do
Reiki靈氣
灵气 霊気
reikilíng qì / ling2 qi4 / ling qi / lingqiling ch`i / lingchi / ling chi
Hapkido合氣道
合气道
ai ki do / aikidohé qì dào
he2 qi4 dao4
he qi dao
heqidao
ho ch`i tao
hochitao
ho chi tao
Guanxi關繫 / 関繫 / 關係
关系 / 関係
kankeiguān xì / guan1 xi4 / guan xi / guanxikuan hsi / kuanhsi
In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line.
In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese.


Dictionary

Lookup Simplified in my Japanese & Chinese Dictionary


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All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.

When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to my art mounting workshop in Beijing where a wall scroll is made by hand from a combination of silk, rice paper, and wood.
After we create your wall scroll, it takes at least two weeks for air mail delivery from Beijing to you.

Allow a few weeks for delivery. Rush service speeds it up by a week or two for $10!

When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.


A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

The wall scroll that Sandy is holding in this picture is a "large size"
single-character wall scroll.
We also offer custom wall scrolls in small, medium, and an even-larger jumbo size.

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.

There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form of art alive.

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.

A high-ranked Chinese master calligrapher that I met in Zhongwei

The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.


Check out my lists of Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Wall Scrolls and Old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scrolls.

Some people may refer to this entry as Simplified Kanji, Simplified Characters, Simplified in Mandarin Chinese, Simplified Characters, Simplified in Chinese Writing, Simplified in Japanese Writing, Simplified in Asian Writing, Simplified Ideograms, Chinese Simplified symbols, Simplified Hieroglyphics, Simplified Glyphs, Simplified in Chinese Letters, Simplified Hanzi, Simplified in Japanese Kanji, Simplified Pictograms, Simplified in the Chinese Written-Language, or Simplified in the Japanese Written-Language.

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