Approximate Measurements
Artwork Panel: 31.6cm x 31.7cm ≈ 12½" x 12½"
Silk/Brocade Border: 41.6cm x 41.7cm ≈ 16¼" x 16½"
Chinese / Japanese Kanji / old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Painting
This is the character that is Romanized and pronounced "Zen" in Japanese. This character actually means "meditation" and is often associated with a practice (and sect) of "Meditation Buddhism" or "Zen Buddhism". This character and concept originally came from China, where this character is Romanized and pronounced "Chan".
The form written on this painting is the modern Japanese form. Here's the other ways it's often written:
Original Chinese and old Japanese.
Chinese version written in an alternate or "shorthand" form. This form is now the official Simplified Chinese version, but this form has existed for over a thousand years.
Want a Zen painting completely customized to your desires?
Link: Options for custom Zen and Chan-related Chinese/Japanese/Korean calligraphy are available here!
The calligraphy was done using black Chinese ink on xuan paper (known incorrectly in the west as "rice paper"). The raw artwork was then taken to our Wall Scroll Workshop where it was laminated to more sheets of xuan paper, and built into a beautiful portrait with silk brocade border.
This calligraphy was created by Li Dan-Qing of Beijing. He's an older gentleman who has been involved with the art community of China, all of his life. Now in retirement, he creates calligraphy for us for sort of "hobby income".