The Name Blood Sweat And Tears in Chinese/Japanese on a Personalized Wall Scroll.

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  1. Blood Sweat and Tears

  2. Antigua and Barbuda

  3. Blessings and Protection

  4. Bright and Promising Future

  5. Brother and Sister

  6. Brothers and Sisters

  7. Eat Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We Die

  8. Family and Friends

  9. Father and Daughter

10. Father and Son

11. Rise and Fall / Ups and Downs

12. Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall

13. Forgive and Forget

14. God Bless You / God Be With You

15. Good and Evil

16. Heart and Soul

17. To Infinity and Beyond

18. Hardships and Joys

19. Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and Win 100 Battles

20. A Life of Happiness and Prosperity

21. Live and Let Die

22. Love and Hate

23. Love and Honor

24. Mother and Daughter

25. Open and Calm Mind

26. Reality and Illusion

27. Strength and Honor

28. Strength and Courage

29. With all the strength of your heart

30. Time and Tide Wait for No Man

31. Trinidad and Tobago

32. The Warrior’s Word, Dependable as Gold and Steel

33. Abundance and Prosperity

34. Acupuncture and Moxibustion

35. ...And this above all to thine own self be true

36. Content and Motionless

37. Antigua and Barbuda

38. Passionate Love / Ardent Love and Devotion

39. Blessings and Good Wishes

40. Blood

41. Blood Brothers

42. Body and Mind

43. Body and Earth in Unity

44. Brevity: Fewer Words are Best

45. Brief and to the Point

46. Brotherly and Sisterly Love

47. Seeing one’s Nature and becoming a Buddha

48. Calm and Collected

49. Do not shed a tear until you see the coffin

50. Comparison Leads to Truth and Enlightenment

51. Courage and Strength

52. The Law of Creation and Destruction

53. Cry in the Dojo - Laugh on the Battlefield

54. Benevolent and Skilled Doctor

55. The Spirit of the Dragon Horse and Power of a Tiger

56. Dragon and Phoenix

57. Dragon and Phoenix Brings Luck

58. The Spirit of Dragon and Tiger

59. Eat Drink and Be Merry

60. Eternal / Eternity

61. Eternity / Forever

62. Eternity / Always and Forever

63. Family and Friends

64. Father and Daughter

65. Father and Son

66. Fire and Water Have No Mercy

67. Unswerving Determination / Firm and Persistent

68. Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall

69. Flowers Bloom and Flowers Wither

70. Forgive and Forget

71. Four Noble Truths: Desire and Attachment

72. Goddess of Mercy and Compassion

73. Green Plum and Bamboo Horse

74. Love and Happiness

75. Heart and Soul

76. Heaven and Earth

77. Glory and Honor

78. Honor and Integrity

79. Husband and Wife

80. Impartial and Fair to the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the World

81. To Infinity and Beyond

82. Inner Bliss and Peace from Meditation

83. Inner Strength / Inner Well-Being and Health

84. Integrity: Sincere Honest and Faithful

85. Mutual Welfare and Benefit

86. Through the Ups and Downs of Life

87. Safety and Well-Being of the Family

88. Karma - Cause and Effect

89. Kindness and Forgiving Nature

90. Love and Respect / Kindness and Respect

91. Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and You Cannot Lose

92. Live Together and Help Each Other

93. A Life of Happiness and Prosperity

94. Light / Bright and Promising Future

95. Listen to Both Sides and be Enlightened, Listen to One Side and be in the Dark

96. Live in Peace and Contentment

97. Live and Let Die

98. Lost / Dazed and Confused

99. Love and Affection

100. Love and Hate

101. Love and Devotion

102. Love and Honor

103. Love the House and Its Crow

104. Love and Protect

105. Love and Respect

106. Moral and Virtuous

107. Mother and Daughter

108. Mother and Son

109. Accept the Situation and Move On

110. Nail Shop / Manicure and Pedicure Salon

111. Freedom from Anger and Worry Yields Longevity

112. There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger

113. No one knows a son better than the father

114. One Heart / One Mind / Heart and Soul

115. Oneness of Heaven and Humanity

116. Love Between Child and Parents

117. Appreciation and Love for Your Parents

118. Peace and Good Health

119. Peace and Love

120. Peace and Tranquility

121. Power of Understanding and Wisdom

122. Prosperity and Happiness

123. Blessings and Protection

124. Calm and Open Mind

125. Reach Peace and Calm Through Meditation

126. Reality and Illusion

127. Respect and Loyalty

128. Strength and Love in Unity

129. Safe and Sound

130. Correct and Proper

131. Sincerity and Devotion

132. Sincerity and Faithfulness

133. Smooth and Steady

134. Warriors Adapt and Overcome

135. Stability / Calm and Orderly / Equilibrium

136. Strength and Honor

137. Strength and Love

138. Strength and Courage

139. Strength: Strong and Solid

140. Strong and Beautiful

141. The Sun, Moon, and Stars

142. Sunny / Clear and Bright

143. The More We Sweat in Training, The Less We Bleed in Battle

144. Swift Fierce and Daring

145. Tension and Relaxation

146. Time and Tide Wait for No Man

147. Trinidad and Tobago

148. Truth Goodness and Beauty

149. Turks and Caicos Islands

150. Distinguish Good and Evil

151. Schooled by Experience and Hard Knocks

152. Overcome: Regardless of the Rain and Wind

153. Whole Heart

154. Wind and Rain

155. Each Time You Stumble and Fall, You Gain Experience and Wisdom

156. Wise and Virtuous

157. Worldwide Wish for Peace and Prosperity

158. Shinken Shobu

159. Rise Up with Thrift and Diligence

160. Dana: Almsgiving and Generosity

161. Wisdom and Insight of the Buddha

162. Realization and Knowledge

163. Duty to Defend and Protect Country

164. The True and Complete Enlightenment

165. Endure and Survive

166. Mentor: Teacher and Friend

167. Past Future and Present

168. Live Long and Prosper

169. Flourish and Blossom Everywhere

170. Words and Deeds

171. Unwavering Determination and Resolve

172. Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth

173. People’s Livelihood and Welfare


Blood Sweat and Tears

 xiě hàn lèi
Blood Sweat and Tears Scroll

血汗淚 means “Blood, Sweat (and) Tears” in Chinese.

Blood Sweat and Tears

 xuè hàn
 kekkan
Blood Sweat and Tears Scroll

血汗 is a short Chinese and Japanese word that literally means “blood and sweat” but can be used to mean “blood, sweat, and tears.”

The first character means blood, and the second is sweat (but tears can be a category of salty water excreted by the body).

Antigua and Barbuda

 antigua baabuuda
Antigua and Barbuda Scroll

アンティグアバーブーダ is the Japanese Katakana title for Antigua and Barbuda.


Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Blessings and Protection

 shukufuku to hogo
Blessings and Protection Scroll

祝福と保護 means “blessings and protection,” in Japanese.

Bright and Promising Future

 akarui mirai
Bright and Promising Future Scroll

明るい未来 is a Japanese proverb that means “Bright Future.”

It suggests a lot of possibilities and potential awaits in your future. A great gift for a graduate.

The first part of this proverb literally means bright or light. The second part means the future but can also be translated as “the world to come.”


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Brother and Sister

 keishi / kyoudai
Brother and Sister Scroll

兄姉 means “brother and sister,” in Japanese.

There's no perfect way to say it in calligraphy, but this is probably the best way.

Brothers and Sisters

 go kyou dai
Brothers and Sisters Scroll

御兄弟 is a Japanese honorific title for brothers and sisters or siblings.

Please note: It's kind of an uncommon title for a wall scroll.

Eat Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We Die

 tabe nomi tanoshime ashita wa mina shinu
Eat Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We Die Scroll

食べ飲み楽しめ明日は皆死ぬ means “eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die,” in Japanese.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Family and Friends

 kazoku ya yuujin
Family and Friends Scroll

家族や友人 means “family and friends,” in Japanese.

Father and Daughter

 chichi musume
Father and Daughter Scroll

父娘 is a title for “father and daughter” in Japanese Kanji.

Father and Son

 chichi musuko
Father and Son Scroll

父息子 is “father and son” in Japanese.

Rise and Fall / Ups and Downs

Eiko-Seisui

 ei ko sei sui
Rise and Fall / Ups and Downs Scroll

This Japanese proverb can be translated as “flourish and wither, prosper and perish,” “life is full of fortune and misfortune,” or simply “vicissitudes of life.”

栄枯盛衰 / 榮枯盛衰 is about the rise and fall of human affairs or the ups and downs of life. Prosperity comes and goes, everything is fleeting and temporary, but like waves, another swell of prosperity may come.

Here's how the Kanji break down in this proverb:

栄 = prosper; thrive; flourish; boom.
枯 = wither; die.
盛 = prosperous; flourishing; thriving; successful; energetic; vigorous; enthusiastic.
衰 = become weaker; decline; get weak; die down; subside; abate; fail.


榮 Notes: The original version of the first character looks like the image to the right. In modern Japan, they simplified that Kanji a bit into the version shown above. If you have a preference for which style is used for your calligraphy, please let me know when you place your order.

Apparently, with that original version of the first character, this is also used in Korean Hanja. However, I have not confirmed that it’s used in the same way or is widely-known in Korean.

Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall

 hana wa sa ki hana wa chi ru
Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall Scroll

花は咲き花は散る is a Japanese proverb about the cycle of life, or how things come and go in life.

This can be used to suggest that youth, fortune, and life can come and go (everything is temporary).


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Forgive and Forget

Water Under the Bridge

 mizu ni naga su
Forgive and Forget Scroll

水に流す is a Japanese proverb that suggests that “water continues to flow.”

It's similar to our English phrase, “Water under the bridge.” The perceived meaning is, “Forgive and forget.”

I have also seen this translated as “Don't cry over spilled milk.”


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

God Bless You / God Be With You

 kami sa ma ga mamo ru you ni
God Bless You / God Be With You Scroll

神さまが守るように is about as close as you can get to, “God Bless You” in Japanese.

This literally means “[May] God Protect [You].” It can also mean “God is Always With You,” as the word in this phrase that means “protect” can also mean to follow or be with. In fact, the Japanese dictionary entry for that word reads like this: to protect; to guard; to defend; to keep (i.e. a promise); to abide; to observe; to follow.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Good and Evil

 zenakufuni
Good and Evil Scroll

善悪不二 is a Japanese Buddhist expression that states, “Good [and] evil [are], not two [separate things].”

A more natural way to express this in English is, “Good and evil are but two faces of the same coin.”

Heart and Soul

 shin kon
Heart and Soul Scroll

心魂 is “heart and soul” in Japanese Kanji.

The first character means heart (but can also mean mind or soul).

The last character means soul or spirit (spiritual essence).

To Infinity and Beyond

 mugen no kanata e
To Infinity and Beyond Scroll

無限の彼方へ means “to infinity and beyond,” in Japanese.

This is how the slogan/phrase from Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear was translated from the movie into Japanese.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Hardships and Joys

 shinsankanku
Hardships and Joys Scroll

辛酸甘苦 is a Japanese proverb that speaks of the “hardships and joys” of life.

Some other translations include:
Tasting the sweets and bitters of life.
Being well-versed in the ways of the world (having seen much of life).

This is the Japanese “for better or worse” when speaking of life.

Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and Win 100 Battles

 teki o shi ri o no o shi re ba hya ku sen aya u ka ra zu
Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and Win 100 Battles Scroll

敵を知り己を知れば百戦危うからず is the longer/full Japanese version of this proverb. This means “Know your enemy, know yourself, and you will not fear a hundred battles.”

Others will translate this as “Know thy enemy, know thyself, yields victory in one hundred battles.”


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

A Life of Happiness and Prosperity

 kou fuku to ha nei no jin sei
A Life of Happiness and Prosperity Scroll

幸福と繁栄の人生 is a Japanese proverb that means “A life of happiness and prosperity” or “A life of happiness and success.”


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.


See Also:  Prosperity

Live and Let Die

 shinu no wa yatsuradesu
Live and Let Die Scroll

死ぬのは奴らだ means “live and let die,” in Japanese.

死ぬのは奴らだ is the Japanese title of the James Bond 007 movie of the same name.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Love and Hate

 ài zèng
 ai zou
Love and Hate Scroll

愛憎 is a weird selection for a calligraphy wall scroll. But if you really want it, we'll do it.

This version is most appropriate if your audience is Japanese or Korean (for Koreans who can read the ancient Korean Hanja).

The first character means love or affection.
The second character means hate, dislike, detest, or loathe.

Love and Honor

 ai to homa re
Love and Honor Scroll

愛と譽れ means to love and honor in Japanese.

The first Kanji is literally “love.”
The second character just acts to connect the ideas like “and” or “with.”
The last two Kanji mean “honor” or “honour.” This is the kind of honor that suggests you are praising or admiring someone.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.


See Also:  Love and Honor

Love and Honor

 ai to keii
Love and Honor Scroll

愛と敬意 is a Japanese phrase that means “Love and Honor” or “Love and Respect.”

There are a few ways to express this idea in Japanese, so you may see other versions used.

Mother and Daughter

 haha musume
Mother and Daughter Scroll

母娘 means “mother and daughter” in Japanese Kanji.

母娘 is an unusual selection for a calligraphy wall scroll and can be read in many different ways. Your native Japanese friends might wonder what you are trying to say.


Note: This will not make sense in Chinese.


See Also:  Mother and Son

Open and Calm Mind

 kyo shin tan kai
Open and Calm Mind Scroll

虛心坦懐 is a Japanese proverb that means “with an open and calm mind,” “with no preconceived notions,” or “without reservations.”

In some contexts, it can mean frank or candid.

If you want to remind yourself to approach each situation with no preconceptions, this is a good title for you. This can also refer to the ideas of being candid, frank, and straightforward.

Reality and Illusion

 gen jitsu to gen sou
Reality and Illusion Scroll

現実と幻想 is the Japanese way to write, “reality and illusion.”

Strength and Honor

 chikara to mei yo
Strength and Honor Scroll

力と名譽 is “strength and honor” in Japanese Kanji (with one Hiragana).

The first Kanji is understood as strength, power, or force.

The second character is a connecting particle-like, “and” or “with.”

The last two Kanji mean honor/honour, credit, or prestige. This last word is also used in the Bushido code to mean honor.

Strength and Courage

 riki to yu ki
Strength and Courage Scroll

力と勇気 may not be the most common Japanese phrase, but this is how to write “strength and courage” or “power and bravery” in Japanese.

With all the strength of your heart

 omoi kiri
With all the strength of your heart Scroll

思い切り can be translated as “with all one's strength,” “with all one's heart,” “to the limits of your heart,” or “to the end of your heart/emotions.”

The character breakdown:
思い (omoi) thought; mind; heart; feelings; emotion; sentiment; love; affection; desire; wish; hope; expectation; imagination; experience
切り (kiri) bounds; limits.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Time and Tide Wait for No Man

 kouinya no goto shi
Time and Tide Wait for No Man Scroll

光陰矢の如し is a Japanese proverb that means “time flies like an arrow.” It's very similar to the English idiom, “time and tide wait for no man,” or “life is short.”

The Kanji breakdown:
光陰 = Time (the cycle of light and dark).
[and an]
矢 = Arrow
の = are
如し = Alike


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Trinidad and Tobago

 to ri ni daa do ・ to ba go
Trinidad and Tobago Scroll

This is Trinidad and Tobago in Japanese Katakana.


Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

The Warrior’s Word, Dependable as Gold and Steel

 bushi no ichigon kintetsu no gotoshi
The Warrior’s Word, Dependable as Gold and Steel Scroll

武士の一言金鉄の如し is an old Japanese proverb about the value of the word of a warrior.

Here are a couple of versions of how this can be translated:

A warrior's single word is as unchanging and reliable as gold and steel.
A warrior's promise is as dependable as gold, and his [scabbard contains] untarnished steel (a sword).


Note: Sometimes this phrase is written as 男子の一言、金鉄の如し (danshi no ichigon kintetsu no gotoshi)


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Abundance and Prosperity

 fán róng fù yù
 hanei yuuhuku
Abundance and Prosperity Scroll

繁榮富裕 is a proverb about “Prosperity and Abundance.”

This presents and reinforces the ideas of being prosperous, a booming economy, well-to-do, well-off, wealthy, riches, and opulence.

While this is the ancient/traditional Chinese way to write this, most Japanese can fully read and understand it. It's also the correct form of old Korean Hanja (though few Koreans of the current generation will be able to read this).


See Also:  Good Fortune

Acupuncture and Moxibustion

 zhēn jiǔ
 shin kyuu
Acupuncture and Moxibustion Scroll

鍼灸 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja word for acupuncture-moxibustion.

...And this above all to thine own self be true

A line from Shakespeare's Hamlet

 yóu qí yào jǐn de nǐ bì xū duì nǐ zì jǐ zhōng shí
...And this above all to thine own self be true Scroll

尤其要緊的你必須對你自己忠實 is the classic translation of a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet into Chinese.

Content and Motionless

The condition of perfect meditation

 an juu fu dou
Content and Motionless Scroll

安住不動 means at peace and immovable.

The first two Kanji mean being content with one's present position or well-composed.
The last two Kanji mean immobile, firmness, fixed, and/or motionless.

In the Zen school, this is being well-composed and immovable - the ideal state of Zen meditation.

Antigua and Barbuda

 ān tí guā hé bā bù dá
Antigua and Barbuda Scroll

This is the Chinese name for Antigua and Barbuda.


See Also:  North America

Passionate Love / Ardent Love and Devotion

 rè ài
 netsu ai
Passionate Love / Ardent Love and Devotion Scroll

熱愛 means love passionately, ardent love, devotion, adoration.

The literal meaning is “hot love,” as the first character means heat, fervent, hot, and warm. Sometimes it can mean fever, restlessness, or zeal. The second character is, of course, love. If you adore and are devoted to someone with all your love, this is the title for you.

Blessings and Good Wishes

 zhù fú
 shukufuku
Blessings and Good Wishes Scroll

祝福 is a nice way to give good wishes to someone.

It can be a general blessing or used to congratulate someone for a special occasion or graduation.

This has a good meaning in Japanese but is more appropriate when expressed orally. 祝福 is not a natural selection for a wall scroll if your audience is Japanese.

 xuè yè
 ketsu eki
Blood Scroll

血液 is the word for blood (liquid blood) in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Blood Brothers

 xuè xiōng dì
 chi kyou dai
Blood Brothers Scroll

血兄弟 means “Blood Brothers” in Chinese and Japanese.

Body and Mind

 shēn xīn
 shin jin
Body and Mind Scroll

身心 means “body and mind” or “mental and physical” in Chinese and Japanese.

In the Buddhist context, body and mind encompass the five elements (skandha) of a sentient being.
The body is the physical material (rūpa) of life. The mind embraces the other four skandhas, which are consciousness, perception, action, and knowledge.

Body and Earth in Unity

 shindofuni / shindofuji
Body and Earth in Unity Scroll

身土不二 (Shindofuni) is originally a Buddhist concept or proverb referring to the inseparability of body-mind and geographical circumstances.

This reads, “Body [and] earth [are] not two.”

Other translations or matching ideas include:
Body and land are one.
Body and earth can not be separated.
Body earth sensory curation.
You are what you eat.
Indivisibility of the body and the land (because the body is made from food and food is made from the land).

Going further, this speaks of our human bodies and the land from which we get our food being closely connected. This phrase is often used when talking about natural and organic vegetables coming directly from the farm to provide the healthiest foods in Japan.

Character notes: 身(shin) in this context does not just mean your physical body but a concept including both body and mind.
土 (do) refers to the soil, earth, clay, land, or in some cases, locality. It's not the proper name of Earth, the planet. However, it can refer to the land or realm we live in.

Japanese note: This has been used in Japan, on and off, since 1907 as a slogan for a governmental healthy eating campaign (usually pronounced as shindofuji instead of the original shindofuni in this context). It may have been hijacked from Buddhism for this propaganda purpose, but at least this is “healthy propaganda.”

Korean note: The phrase 身土不二 was in use by 1610 A.D. in Korea, where it can be found in an early medical journal.
In modern South Korea, it's written in Hangul as 신토불이. Korea used Chinese characters (same source as Japanese Kanji) as their only written standard form of the language until about a hundred years ago. Therefore, many Koreans will recognize this as a native phrase and concept.


See Also:  Strength and Love in Unity

Brevity: Fewer Words are Best

 shǎo shuō wéi jiā
Brevity: Fewer Words are Best Scroll

Getting to the point quickly with the fewest words possible is the suggestion of this 少說為佳 Chinese proverb.

But taking it more profound, there is a warning that using too many words may act to “tip your hat” or “show your hand” (to use two American idioms).

It can also be said that using many words does not make the message have more value.

This is really about the art of brevity.

My only hope is that I did not use too many words to explain this proverb.

Brief and to the Point

Speak simply, while expressing your idea completely

 yán jiǎn yì gāi
Brief and to the Point Scroll

言簡意賅 is a Chinese proverb that suggests it is better to be brief and use fewer words while still expressing your main point or idea.

In another way to explain this, one should not use 100 words when 50 will do, or being more concise with your speech.

This can also be translated as concise, compendious, “brief in form but comprehensive in scope” or succinct.

This is a bit more positive than our other proverb for brevity.

Brotherly and Sisterly Love

 shǒu zú qíng
Brotherly and Sisterly Love Scroll

手足情 is the love between siblings.

When you love, protect, care for, and have a deep bond that only brothers or sisters can.

The actual translation is “Hand and Foot,” but the relationship between brothers or sisters is like that of hands and feet. They belong together and complete the body. Even though this says “hand and foot,” it will always be read with the brotherly and sisterly love meaning in Chinese.

Note: During the past 20 years, the “One child policy” in China is slowly making this term obsolete.

Seeing one’s Nature and becoming a Buddha

 jiàn xìng chéng fó
 ken shou jou butsu
Seeing one’s Nature and becoming a Buddha Scroll

見性成佛 is a universal phrase that suggests that one may see one's nature and accomplish Buddhahood.

見性 suggests penetrating deep inside oneself to see one's “Original finally Mind.”

成佛 refers to a sentient being who dispenses with illusions and delusions through ascetic practice, is enlightened to the truth, and becomes a Buddha.

This is used by Mahayana, Chan, and Zen Buddhists in China, Korea, and Japan.


You will also see this with the last character written as 仏 in Japanese. In the religious context, 佛 is commonly used to mean Buddha. If you want the other version, see Kenshō Jōbutsu 見性成仏

Calm and Collected

 chén zhuó
Calm and Collected Scroll

These two characters mean calm and collected or simply not nervous.

Do not shed a tear until you see the coffin

 bú jiàn guān cái bú luò lèi
Do not shed a tear until you see the coffin Scroll

不見棺材不落淚 is a cautionary tale that suggests you are unknowingly (though it should be obvious)on a bad course.

It further suggests that you will not realize your folly until the worst has happened.

This can also be a warning of inaction until it's too late to take action. Again, not realizing your error until it's too late.

In an alternate interpretation, some will suggest this means doing something bad and not looking back - Then the worst happens.

It should be noted that this is one of the oddest selections for a wall scroll in our whole Asian calligraphy database. All of our translators are convinced that no Chinese person would ever hang this on their wall.

Comparison Leads to Truth and Enlightenment

 bù bǐ bù zhī dào yī bǐ xià yì tiào
Comparison Leads to Truth and Enlightenment Scroll

不比不知道一比吓一跳 is a Chinese proverb that literally means: [If one not does] not make comparisons, [one will] not know [the truth] when [one] compares, [one will be] greatly surprised.

This goes to the idea that if you do not know bad times, you cannot know what good times are.
...And...
You can not know light without experiencing darkness.

Another way to translate this would be: If you wish to be enlightened, you need to make comparisons and analyze every aspect (of a situation, issue, or problem).

Courage and Strength

 yǒng lì
 yuu ri
Courage and Strength Scroll

勇力 is a very short way to say “courage and strength” in Chinese and Japanese.

In Japanese, it's read more like “strong courage” or “powerful courage.” This can also be the personal name Yuri or Yuuri in Japanese.

The Law of Creation and Destruction

 shì shēng miè fǎ
 zeshoumeppou
The Law of Creation and Destruction Scroll

是生滅法 is a Buddhist term for “the law of arising and ceasing,” or, “the law of creation and destruction.”

Everything has a beginning and an end, birth and death, etc. All things follow this law.

Cry in the Dojo - Laugh on the Battlefield

 doujou de naki senjou de warau
Cry in the Dojo - Laugh on the Battlefield Scroll

道場で泣き戦場で笑う is a Japanese phrase that means “Cry in the dojo, laugh on the battlefield.”

You'll see this phrase in a lot of dojos as a kind of philosophical joke.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.


See Also:  The More We Sweat in Training the Less We Bleed in Battle

Benevolent and Skilled Doctor

 miào shǒu rén xīn xuán hú jì shì
Benevolent and Skilled Doctor Scroll

妙手仁心悬壶济世 is a phrase that celebrates the benevolence, skill, and service to his/her patients.

Here's a breakdown of the characters:
妙手 miào shǒu admirable skill in curing disease (when used in reference to doctors).
仁心 rén xīn kindheartedness, charity, benevolent heart.
悬壶济世 xuán hú jì shì practice medicine or pharmacy to help the people or the public.

Benevolent and Skilled Doctor

Short version

 miào shǒu rén xīn
Benevolent and Skilled Doctor Scroll

妙手仁心 is a phrase that celebrates the benevolence, skill, and service to his/her patients.

Here's a breakdown of the characters:
妙手 miào shǒu is an admirable skill in curing disease (when referring to doctors).
仁心 rén xīn kindheartedness, charity, benevolent heart.

The Spirit of the Dragon Horse and Power of a Tiger

 lóng mǎ jīng shén hǔ hǔ shēng wēi
The Spirit of the Dragon Horse and Power of a Tiger Scroll

龍馬精神虎虎生威 is an old proverb that is used to wish someone great health and success combined as a great compliment.

The meaning is “The vigor and spirit of the legendary dragon-horse and the power and prestige of the tiger.”

By giving a wall scroll like this to someone, you were either wishing or telling them that they have these qualities. There is also a suggestion of good health - at least anyone with the vigor of a dragon horse would seem to also be in good health.

Dragon and Phoenix

 lóng fèng
 ryuu hou
Dragon and Phoenix Scroll

龍鳳 is the simplest way to express “Dragon and Phoenix” in Chinese and Japanese.

This title can be used to represent, “The emperor and empress,” or a metaphor for an outstanding personage.

It should be noted that this is most often used as a given name, “Ryuuhou” in Japanese. It may be read more as a name than by meaning in Japanese.

Dragon and Phoenix Brings Luck

 lóng fèng chéng xiáng
Dragon and Phoenix Brings Luck  Scroll

龍鳳呈祥 is often seen at weddings and other celebrations in China.

It suggests that the dragon and phoenix will bring you auspicious tidings.

The first character is a dragon.
The second is a phoenix.
The third is presents or brings.
And the last means auspicious, propitious, or luck.

Throughout China, the dragon and phoenix are symbols of good fortune. You will see these auspicious figures as decorative symbols on everything from buildings, furniture, wedding costumes, and sculptures in public parks to caskets and items used in ceremonies.

The Spirit of Dragon and Tiger

 lóng hǔ jīng shén
 ryu ko sei shin
The Spirit of Dragon and Tiger Scroll

龍虎精神 means the spirit of the dragon and tiger.

It speaks to the vitality and vigor that is the nature of these two creatures.

Beyond “spirit,” the last two characters can also mean mind, soul, or heart. Therefore, you can also say this means “Heart of the Dragon and Tiger,” etc.

龍虎精神 is often titled “Ryukoseishin” in many Japanese martial arts.

Eat Drink and Be Merry

 chī hē wán lè
Eat Drink and Be Merry Scroll

吃喝玩樂 is the short version of, “Eat, drink, and be merry.”

This is a Chinese proverb that suggests abandoning oneself to a life of pleasure.

Eat Drink and Be Merry

 chī hē wán lè jí shí xíng lè
Eat Drink and Be Merry Scroll

喫喝玩樂及時行樂 is just about the closest proverb to match the western idea of “Eat, drink, and be merry.”

This is a Chinese proverb that more literally means “Eat, drink, play, be merry, enjoy everything as long as you can.”

It's basically a suggestion that you try to enjoy everything in life, as long as you live, or as long as you are able.

Eternal / Eternity

 yǒng héng
Eternal / Eternity Scroll

永恆 is the Chinese word for eternity.

The first character means always, forever, and perpetual. The second character holds the meaning of permanent. Together, they create a word that means eternal, eternally, or infinite time.


See Also:  Immortality

Eternity / Forever

 yǒng
 ei
 
Eternity / Forever Scroll

永 is the simplest form of eternity or “always and forever.”

永 can sometimes mean forever, always, perpetual, infinite, or “without end,” depending on context.

Note: Not often seen as a single Kanji in Japanese. Best if your audience is Chinese.


See Also:  Forever | Ever Lasting

Eternity / Always and Forever

 yǒng yuǎn
 ei-en
Eternity / Always and Forever Scroll

永遠 is the Chinese, Korean and Japanese word for forever.

If we take this word apart, the first character means always, forever, or perpetual. While the second character means far or distant.


See Also:  Immortality

Family and Friends

 qīn péng hǎo yǒu
Family and Friends Scroll

親朋好友 is a Chinese title that simply means “family and friends” or “kith and kin.”

If you read each character more literally, it's like, “relatives, friends, [and] good/close friends.”

Father and Daughter

 fù nǚ
Father and Daughter Scroll

父女 is a title for “father and daughter” in Chinese.

Note: 父女 is an unusual word for a calligraphy wall scroll.

Father and Son

 fù yù zǐ
Father and Son Scroll

父與子 is the simple term for “Father and Son.”

However, we like some of our other tribute phrases to fathers better than this one.

Fire and Water Have No Mercy

 shuǐ huǒ wú qíng
Fire and Water Have No Mercy Scroll

水火無情 is a Chinese proverb that means “fire [and] water have-not mercy.”

This serves to remind us that the forces of nature are beyond human control.

Some may also translate this as “implacable fate.”

Unswerving Determination / Firm and Persistent

 jiān yì
Unswerving Determination / Firm and Persistent Scroll

堅毅 means unswerving determination or firm and persistent in Chinese.

This single Chinese word means “firm and persistent” and/or “unswerving determination.”

Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall

 huā kāi huā luò
Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall Scroll

花開花落 is a complete proverb that lightly speaks of the cycle of life, or how things come and go in life.

This is used as a metaphor to suggest that youth is a temporary state that in time will pass.

This can also be used to suggest that fortunes can come and go (everything is temporary).

Note: There are two very similar versions of this proverb. The other uses a word that means wither instead of fall.

Flowers Bloom and Flowers Wither

 huā kāi huā xiè
Flowers Bloom and Flowers Wither Scroll

花開花謝 is a complete proverb that lightly speaks of the cycle of life, or how things come and go in life.

This is used as a metaphor to suggest that youth is a temporary state, which in time, will pass.

This proverb can be used to suggest that fortunes can come and go (everything is temporary).

Note: There are two very similar versions of this proverb. The other uses a word that means fall instead of wither.

Forgive and Forget

 lüè jì yuán qíng
Forgive and Forget Scroll

略跡原情 is a Chinese proverb that means “to overlook past faults,” or “forgive and forget.”

It's more literally, “Abridge or make small the scars from your past emotions.” You should let it go.

The character breakdown:
略 (lüè) abbreviation; omission; abridge.
跡 (jī) ruins; scar; traces.
原 (yuán) former.
情 (qíng) feeling; emotion.

Forgive and Forget

Confucian Proverb

 bú niàn jiù è
Forgive and Forget Scroll

不念舊惡 is a Chinese proverb that can be translated as “Do not recall old grievances,” or more simply as “Forgive and forget.”

The character breakdown:
不 (bù) not; no; don't.
念 (niàn) read aloud.
舊 (jiù) old; former.
惡 (è) wicked deeds; grievances; sins.

This proverb comes from the Analects of Confucius.

Four Noble Truths: Desire and Attachment

Samudaya

 jí dì
 jittai
Four Noble Truths: Desire and Attachment Scroll

集諦 represents the idea that the core of suffering is often the concept of desire or attachment.

This can be carnal desire, monetary desire, or the attachment you have to something that you are unwilling to part with (such as a fancy car). 集諦 is a simplification of the second noble truth which is an exploration into the root causes of suffering - it's deeper than I can go in a few sentences.


This term is exclusively used by devout Buddhists. It is not a common term, and is remains an unknown concept to most Chinese, Japanese and Korean people.


See Also:  Buddhism | Enlightenment

Goddess of Mercy and Compassion

 guān yīn
 kwun yum
 kan non
Goddess of Mercy and Compassion Scroll

觀音/観音 is the Buddhist deity known as the Goddess of Mercy or Bodhisattva of Compassion.

In Chinese, the proper name of this being is Guan Yin. There is some debate as to whether Guan Yin is female. The argument comes from some scripture that suggests Buddhist deities take on the male form. Others say that Guan Yin has no sex. And still, others are okay with the female representation of Guan Yin.

This bodhisattva is also known or Romanized in the following ways:
Mandarin Chinese: Guan Yin, Kuan Yin, Kwan Yin.
Japanese: Kannon, Kwannon.
Sanskrit: Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Korean: Gwan-eum.
Vietnamese: Quan Âm.
Thai: Kuan Eim.
English: Bodhisattva of Mercy and Salvation, Goddess of Compassion, Buddha of Mercy, et al.

Note: The first character has a slight variation in Japanese. If your audience is specifically Japanese, you may want to select that version.


See Also:  Buddhism | Goddess | Namo Amitabha | Bodhisattva

Goddess of Mercy and Compassion

This is the long or more formal version of this title

 guān shì yīn
Goddess of Mercy and Compassion Scroll

觀世音 is the longer and perhaps more formal title for the Buddhist deity known as the Goddess of Mercy or Bodhisattva of Compassion.

The longer title of this bodhisattva is Romanized in the following ways:
Mandarin Chinese: Guanshi Yin, Kuan-shih Yin.
Japanese: Kanzeon.
Sanskrit: Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Korean: Gwan-se-eum.
Vietnamese: Quan Thế Âm.
Thai: Prah Mae Kuan Eim.
English: Bodhisattva of Mercy and Salvation, Goddess of Compassion, Buddha of Mercy, et al.

Please view our more common and shorter version, “Guan Yin” before you make a decision. Also, note that the first character has a slight variation in Japanese. If your audience is specifically Japanese, you may want to select that version.


See Also:  Buddhism | Goddess

Green Plum and Bamboo Horse

Innocent Children's Games

 qīng méi zhú mǎ
Green Plum and Bamboo Horse Scroll

青梅竹馬 means “green plums and hobby-horse.”

Figuratively, it means “innocent children's games,” “childhood sweethearts,” or “a couple who grew up as childhood friends.”

This phrase may sound a little strange as it's a kind of Chinese proverb or idiom. It makes much more sense in Chinese than in English.

Love and Happiness

 xìng fú yǔ ài
Love and Happiness Scroll

幸福與愛 is “happiness and love” in Chinese.

There is a suggestion of “good fortune” in the version of happiness used here.

Heart and Soul

 xīn yǔ líng
Heart and Soul Scroll

This is “heart and soul” in Chinese.

The first character means heart (but can also mean mind or soul).

The middle character is like the English “and.”

The last character means soul, spirit, or spiritual energy.

Heaven and Earth

 tiān dì
 tenchi
Heaven and Earth Scroll

天地 is “Heaven and Earth” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

This title is used in many different contexts. It can be a general term but is also used by Buddhists and in other religions.

This can also be used to refer to all of nature, the universe, the top and bottom, the realm of life, or the sphere of existence.

Glory and Honor

 róng
 ei
 
Glory and Honor Scroll

榮 relates to giving someone a tribute or praise.

It's a little odd as a gift, so this may not be the best selection for a wall scroll.

I've made this entry because this character is often misused as “honorable” or “keeping your honor.” It's not quite the same meaning, as this usually refers to a tribute or giving an honor to someone.

榮 is often found in tattoo books incorrectly listed as the western idea of personal honor or being honorable. Check with us before you get a tattoo that does not match the meaning you are really looking for. As a tattoo, this suggests that you either have a lot of pride in yourself or that you have a wish for prosperity for yourself and/or your family.

栄In modern Japanese Kanji, glory and honor look like the image to the right.

There is a lot of confusion about this character, so here are some alternate translations for this character: prosperous, flourishing, blooming (like a flower), glorious beauty, proud, praise, rich, or it can be the family name “Rong.” The context in which the character is used can change the meaning between these various ideas.

In the old days, this could be an honor paid to someone by the Emperor (basically a designation by the Emperor that a person has high standing).

To sum it up: 榮 has a positive meaning; however, it's a different flavor than the idea of being honorable and having integrity.

Honor and Integrity

 jié cāo
 sessou
Honor and Integrity Scroll

節操 means honorable, integrity of principle, constancy, honor, and in a certain context, chastity.

Please note that there are a few ways to relay the idea of integrity in Asian languages and more than one way to define honor in English. 節操 is far from the only way to express “honor and integrity.”

Husband and Wife

 fū fù
 fuu fu
Husband and Wife Scroll

夫婦 are the Chinese characters, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji for “Husband and Wife.”

This can also be translated as a married couple, spouses, couple, or pair.

This is not a common selection for a calligraphy wall scroll in Asia but if it has a special meaning for you, go for it.

Impartial and Fair to the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the World

 yí shì tóng rén
 isshidoujin
Impartial and Fair to the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the World Scroll

一視同仁 is how to write “universal benevolence.” This is also how to express the idea that you see all people the same.

If you are kind and charitable to everyone, this is the best way to state that virtue. It is the essence of being impartial to all mankind, regardless of social standing, background, race, sex, etc. You do not judge others, but instead, you see them eye to eye on the same level as you.


See Also:  Benevolence | Compassion | Equality | Justice | Right Decision | Selflessness | Work Unselfishly for the Common

To Infinity and Beyond

 chāo yuè wú xiàn
To Infinity and Beyond Scroll

超越無限 means “to infinity and beyond,” in Chinese.

This is how the slogan/phrase from Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear was translated from the movie into Chinese.

Inner Bliss and Peace from Meditation

 chán yuè
Inner Bliss and Peace from Meditation Scroll

禪悅 is a title that refers to the inner bliss and peace you can achieve from meditation.

This term transcends a few religions, including Taoism and Buddhism. It can also be translated as “joy of the mystic trance” or simply “meditative bliss.”

Amazing that such a complex idea can be expressed in just two Chinese characters. Note that the first character is Chan/Zen (Chinese/Japanese), which means “meditation” in both languages.

Inner Strength / Inner Well-Being and Health

 nèi jiàn
Inner Strength / Inner Well-Being and Health Scroll

內健 is an old Chinese word meaning inner strength or inner health.

It's the idea of health and well-being starting or residing inside yourself. Also defined as fortitude within the context of good health.

Integrity: Sincere Honest and Faithful

 sei jitsu
Integrity: Sincere Honest and Faithful Scroll

誠実 is the Japanese version of integrity which can also be defined as a combination of “sincere, honest, and faithful.”

Some may also define this as “loyal” or “loyalty.” In some contexts, it can mean “genuine.” Yes, all of this meaning in just one Japanese word!

Mutual Welfare and Benefit

Jita-Kyoei

 ji ta kyou ei
Mutual Welfare and Benefit Scroll

自他共栄 can be translated in a few different ways. Here are some possibilities:
Benefit mutually and prosper together.
Mutual welfare and benefit.
A learning concept of mutual benefit and welfare (that applies to all fields of society).
Mutual prosperity.

The first two characters are easy to explain. They are “self” and “others.” Together, these two characters create a word that means “mutual” (literally “me and them”).

The third character can have different meanings depending on context. Here, it means “in common” or “to share.”

The fourth character suggests the idea of “prosperity,” “flourishing,” or becoming “glorious.”

It should be noted that these Kanji are used almost exclusively in the context of Judo martial arts. 自他共榮 is not a common or recognized Japanese proverb outside of Judo.

You may see this romanized as Jita-Kyoei or Jitakyoei.


In modern Japanese Kanji, the last character looks like 栄 instead of 榮. If you want the older/traditional version, please let us know when you place your order.

Through the Ups and Downs of Life

 tóng gān gòng kǔ
Through the Ups and Downs of Life Scroll

同甘共苦 is a Chinese proverb that talks of “shared delights and common hardships.”

This can be translated and understood in a few different ways, including...
To share life's joys and sorrows.
For better or for worse.
Through joys and sorrows of life.
Through all life's ups and downs.
To go through thick and thin.
To stick together through thick and thin.
To share the joys and sorrows of life.
To share pleasures and pains.
To partake in each other's joys and sorrows.
To take “for better or for worse.”

Safety and Well-Being of the Family

Kanai Anzen

 ka nai an zen
Safety and Well-Being of the Family Scroll

家內安全 is the Japanese way of saying “Family First.”

It's a Japanese proverb about the safety and well-being of your family and/or peace and prosperity in the household.

Some Japanese will hang an amulet in their home with these Kanji. The purpose is to keep your family safe from harm.

According to Shinto followers, hanging this in your home is seen as an invocation to God to always keep family members free from harm.

We were looking for a way to say “family first” in Japanese when this proverb came up in the conversation and research. While it doesn't say “family first,” it shows that the safety and well-being of your family is your first or most important priority. So, this proverb is the most natural way to express the idea that you put your family first.


See Also:  Peace and Prosperity

Karma - Cause and Effect

 yīn guǒ
 inga
Karma - Cause and Effect Scroll

因果 is a label that is used inside and outside of the Buddhist faith to speak of Karma.

Along with the meaning of Karma, this word can be translated as “retribution” or “chain of cause and effect.”


See Also:  Buddhism

Kindness and Forgiving Nature

 rén shù
 jinjo
Kindness and Forgiving Nature Scroll

仁恕 is a word in Chinese and Japanese that means something like benevolence with magnanimity or kindness with a forgiving nature.

If this describes you, then you are the type of person that I would like to call my friend.

This may not be the most common word in daily use, but it's old enough that it transcended cultures from China to Japan in the 5th century when Japan lacked a written language and absorbed Chinese characters and words into their language.
Note: 仁恕 is not commonly used in Korean.

Love and Respect / Kindness and Respect

 ài jìng
 aikei / aikyou
Love and Respect / Kindness and Respect Scroll

愛敬 is a Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja title that can mean “love and respect,” “kindness and respect,” “to love with reverence,” “charm,” “amiability,” “winsomeness,” “courtesy,” or “ingratiating behavior.”


Note: The wide-ranging definitions show that this word is a bit ambiguous without the context of being used in a sentence.

Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and You Cannot Lose

 zhí bǐ zhí jī bǎi zhàn bú dài
Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and You Cannot Lose Scroll

知彼知己百戰不殆 is from Sun Tzu's (Sunzi's) Art of War. It means that if you know and understand the enemy, you also know yourself, and thus with this complete understanding, you cannot lose.

This proverb is often somewhat directly translated as “Know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat.”

It can also be translated as “If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can come out of hundreds of battles without danger,” or “Know your enemy, know yourself, and your victory will not be threatened.”

Live Together and Help Each Other

 kyou son kyou ei
Live Together and Help Each Other Scroll

共存共栄 is a Japanese proverb that means “live together and help each other,” “existing together, thriving together,” or “co-existence and co-prosperity.”

A Life of Happiness and Prosperity

 xìng fú chéng gōng de yì shēng
A Life of Happiness and Prosperity Scroll

幸福成功的一生 means “A life of happiness and prosperity” or “A life of happiness and success.”

It's a very positive and inspirational wall scroll selection.


See Also:  Prosperity

Light / Bright and Promising Future

 guāng míng
 kou mei / mitsu haru
Light / Bright and Promising Future Scroll

光明 is a nice way to say “light” in Chinese and old Korean Hanja.

This is because the word also suggests a bright future or refers to someone who is very promising (great future potential).

The first character means light or bright.

The second character means bright and clear (in this context).

This word appears in most Japanese dictionaries, but it is not the most common Japanese Kanji word for light (more commonly used for the name Mitsuharu).

In old Korean Hanja, this can also mean brightness or brilliance.

In the context of Buddhism, this means “Light emanating from a Buddha or Bodhisattva, symbolizing their wisdom and compassion.”

Listen to Both Sides and be Enlightened, Listen to One Side and be in the Dark

 jiān tīng zé míng, piān tīng zé àn
Listen to Both Sides and be Enlightened, Listen to One Side and be in the Dark Scroll

兼聽則明偏聽則暗 is an ancient Chinese proverb about getting all the information from all sides so that you truly understand a situation.

Wei Zheng

Wei Zheng

A man named Wei Zheng lived between 580-643 AD. He was a noble and wise historian and minister in the court of the early Tang Dynasty. The emperor once asked him, “What should an emperor do to understand the real-world situation, and what makes an emperor out-of-touch with reality?”

Wei Zheng replied, “Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened; listen to only one side and you will be left in the dark.”

Then Wei Zheng went on to cite examples of leaders in history that were victorious after heeding both sides of the story, and other leaders that met their doom because they believed one-sided stories which often came from flattering lips.

Please note that there is an unwritten rule when the same character appears twice in the same phrase, the calligrapher will alter the appearance so that no two characters are exactly alike in the same piece. This calligraphy has two repeating characters that will be written differently than they appear here.

Live in Peace and Contentment

 ān jū lè yè
 an kyo raku gyou
Live in Peace and Contentment Scroll

安居樂業 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja proverb for “living in peace and working happily,” or “to live in peace and be content with one's occupation.”

Live and Let Die

 huó yě ràng bié rén sǐ
Live and Let Die Scroll

活也讓別人死 means “live and let die” in Chinese.

This is the Chinese translation of the song lyric by Guns 'n Roses for the James Bond 007 movie of the same name.

Lost / Dazed and Confused

 mí
 mei
 
Lost / Dazed and Confused Scroll

迷 is one of those characters that can mean a lot of different things depending on context. When written alone, as a single character on a wall scroll, it opens up the possibilities and allows you to decide what it means to you.

The key definition is “to be lost.” This could be physically or mentally lost. It can be someone lost in their thoughts, lost in an ocean, or just confused about where they are. The reason for the confused state may be due to internal or external reasons.

Here are some entries from various Asian dictionaries...

Chinese: lost, confused, bewilder, crazy about, fan, enthusiast, mystery.

Japanese: lost, astray, perplexed, in doubt, err, illusion.

Korean: lost, bewildered, fascinated, deluded.

Love and Affection

 ài qíng
 aijou
Love and Affection Scroll

愛情 is a universal word in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese which means love and affection.

Some may translate this as “love between a man and a woman.”

Depending on the context, it can mean utter devotion or favorite.

Love and Hate

 ài yǔ hèn
Love and Hate Scroll

Whether you want to make a joke about what marriage really is or just feel that the world is full of love and hate, this selection is for you.

愛與恨 happens to literally translate. So the first character is love. The middle character is a connecting particle-like “and” in English. The last character is hate.

Upon request, we can omit the “and” character and just put a dot to separate love and hate if you prefer.

Love and Devotion

 cí ài
 jiai
Love and Devotion Scroll

慈愛 refers to the kind of love and devotion you might have to your children or any loved one.

This especially applied to your children but could also be any member of your family - spouse, etc.

This can also be translated as affection, kindness, love, to love affectionately.

慈愛 is also used in a Buddhist context with the same meaning.

In Japanese, this can also be a female given name romanized as Yasue.

Love and Honor

 qíng yì
Love and Honor Scroll

情義 means to love and honor in Chinese. 情義 is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.

The first character suggests emotions, passion, heart, humanity, sympathy, and feelings.

In this context, the second character means to honor your lover's wishes and treat them justly and righteously (fairly). That second character can also be translated as “obligation,” as in the obligation a husband and wife have to love each other even through difficult times.

In the context outside of a couple's relationship, this word can mean “comradeship.”

Japanese may see this more as “humanity and justice” than “love and honor.” It's probably best if your target is Chinese.


This is the short and sweet form, there is also a longer poetic form (you can find it here: Love and Honor if it’s not on the page you are currently viewing).


See Also:  Love and Honor

Love and Honor

 shēn qíng hòu yì
Love and Honor Scroll

深情厚義 means to love and honor.

This is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.

The first two characters suggest deep love or deep emotions, passion, and feelings.
The last two characters mean generous justice or thick honor (the third character is an adjective that means generous or thick). It just means that you will honor your lover's wishes and treat them justly and righteously (fairly).


This is the longer four-character version, there is also a short and sweet two character version.


See Also:  Love and Honor

Love the House and Its Crow

 ài wū jí wū
Love the House and Its Crow Scroll

愛屋及烏 is the Chinese idiom, “Love the house and its crow.”

It speaks to the fact that if you are involved in a relationship with somebody, you are also in a relationship with everyone connected to that person. In English, we say, “Love me, love my dog.”

Love and Protect

 ài hù
 ai go
Love and Protect Scroll

愛護 is the Chinese and Japanese Kanji for cherish, to treasure, to take care of, to love and protect, to provide loving protection, or tender care.

Love and Respect

Love each other and show mutual respect

 xiāng ài hù jìng
Love and Respect Scroll

相愛互敬 is a nice way to say “Love and Respect” in Chinese.

This proverb is about the mutual exchange of love and respect within a good relationship.

The first two characters create a word that means “to love each other” or “mutual love.”

The third character means mutual, interlocking, or in some contexts, “to dovetail” (as in how joints are made in fine furniture).

The last character means “to respect,” “to venerate,” “to salute,” “reverence,” or simply “respect.”

Love and Respect

 jìng ài
 kei ai
Love and Respect Scroll

敬愛 is the short and sweet way to say “love and respect” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Besides “respect and love,” this could be translated as “respect and affection,” “Reverence and love,” or “reverent love.”

In Japanese, this can also be the personal name Yoshinari.

Love and Respect

Love and respect each other

 xiāng jìng xiāng ài
Love and Respect Scroll

相敬相愛 is an old Chinese proverb that suggests love and respect go together and are to be exchanged between people (especially couples).

The first two characters mean “exchanging respect” or “mutual respect.”

The last two characters create a word that means “to love each other” or “mutual love.”

You'll notice that the first and third characters are the same. So you can read this literally as something like “Exchange respect, exchange love” or “Mutual respect, mutual love.” In English, we'd probably just say, “Mutual love and respect.” Grammar differs in every language - So while the literal translation might sound a bit awkward in English, this phrase is very natural in Chinese.

Moral and Virtuous

 dé
 toku
 
Moral and Virtuous Scroll

德 is the simple way to express the ideas of having virtue, morals, kindness, benevolence, goodness, etc.

德 also happens to be the first character of the Chinese word for Germany.


徳There is a slight deviation in the Japanese Kanji form. If you want the modern Japanese version, please click on the special Kanji shown to the right instead of the button above. Note that the traditional Chinese form is still readable and understood by Japanese people.


See Also:  Ethics | Chastity | Prudence | Benevolence | Morality

Mother and Daughter

 mǔ nǚ
Mother and Daughter Scroll

母女 means “mother and daughter” as a unit or as if mother and daughter are a whole together.

母女 is an unusual selection for a calligraphy wall scroll and can be read in many different ways. Your native Asian friends might wonder what you are trying to say. They might even read it as “a mother and daughter without a dad.”

This entry was added to our database for a customer's special request. It has the same meaning in Chinese Characters and Korean Hanja.


See Also:  Mother and Son

Mother and Son

 mǔ zǐ
 bo shi
Mother and Son Scroll

母子 simply means “mother and son,” or the essence of the relationship and bond between mother and son.

母子 is really a single word that expresses this idea (showing how important or significant this bond is).

This is not the most common choice for a wall scroll, it is acceptable if you feel this term is important to you.


See Also:  Mother and Daughter

Accept the Situation and Move On

 xiǎng kāi
Accept the Situation and Move On Scroll

想開 is a Chinese title that translates as “move on.”

It can mean getting over a shock or bereavement. More often, it means avoiding dwelling on unpleasant things or accepting the situation and moving on. It's a suggestion to get over it and get on with life.

The literal meaning of the characters is something like “thoughts opening.” But it's understood more as getting over the same old thoughts and opening yourself up to new thoughts or ways of thinking.

Nail Shop / Manicure and Pedicure Salon

 měi jiǎ diàn
Nail Shop / Manicure and Pedicure Salon Scroll

美甲店 is how to title a business that performs only healthful and beauty services to fingernails and toenails. 美甲店 is not the same as a “Beauty Salon,” which offers services beyond your nails.

If you own such a business, this is a nice way to decorate your nail salon.

Freedom from Anger and Worry Yields Longevity

 bù qì bù chóu huó dào bái tóu
Freedom from Anger and Worry Yields Longevity Scroll

不气不愁活到白头 is a Chinese proverb that means “Without anger or worry, you will have a long life, until after all your hair is white.”

It more literally reads, “Don't get angry or worried [and you will] live [long] till [all your] hair [becomes] white.”

There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger

 wú yī shì zhǔ wéi yǒu ān lā mù hǎn mò dé shì ān lā de chāi shǐ
There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger Scroll

無一是主惟有安拉穆罕默德是安拉的差使 is one of the key creeds of Islam.

While perhaps more often seen in Arabic as
There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger
there are many native Chinese Muslims (especially the Hui ethnicity) that do not speak Arabic.

Instead, they use this Chinese phrase to express this idea or statement of faith.

No one knows a son better than the father

 zhī zǐ mò ruò fù
No one knows a son better than the father Scroll

知子莫若父 can be translated as “No one knows a son better than his father.”

This idiom is based on the idea that after spending many years together, family members know everything about each other. Better than anyone else, a father knows the qualities and shortcomings of his son.

If you are looking for something about “father and son,” this is probably the best selection.

While this is the original proverb (very old), others have been composed about various combinations of mothers, sons, daughters, and fathers. Let me know if you need a custom version.

One Heart / One Mind / Heart and Soul

 yī shì dài
 isshin
One Heart / One Mind / Heart and Soul Scroll

一心 literally reads as “one heart” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Colloquially or figuratively, it means: wholeheartedly; heart and soul; of one mind; wholeheartedness; one's whole heart; with the whole mind or heart; one mind in heart.
I'm not kidding, all of those came right from the dictionary for this one title. In Buddhism, this can refer to the bhūtatathatā, or the whole of things; the universe as one mind, or a spiritual unity.

In Japanese, this can be the female given name, Hitomi.

Oneness of Heaven and Humanity

 tiān rén hé yī
Oneness of Heaven and Humanity Scroll

天人合一 is a title that represents the oneness of heaven and humanity. It conveys the idea that man is an integral part of nature.

You can also read this as “heaven and man in unity,” or “nature and man in unity.” The “man” is really “people” or “humans” and is not gender-specific in Chinese.

Love Between Child and Parents

 fù cí zǐ xiào
Love Between Child and Parents Scroll

父慈子孝 is a Chinese proverb that means “benevolent father, filial son.”

Figuratively, this is the natural love between parents and children.

Appreciation and Love for Your Parents

 shuí yán cùn cǎo xīn bào dé sān chūn huī
Appreciation and Love for Your Parents Scroll

誰言寸草心報得三春暉 is the last line of a famous poem. It is perceived as a tribute or ode to your parents or mother from a child or children that have left home.

The poem was written by Meng Jiao during the Tang Dynasty (about 1200 years ago). The Chinese title is “You Zi Yin” which means “The Traveler's Recite.”

The last line as shown here speaks of the generous and warm spring sunlight which gives the grass far beyond what the little grass can could ever give back (except perhaps by showing its lovely green leaves and flourishing). The metaphor is that the sun is your mother or parents, and you are the grass. Your parents raise you and give you all the love and care you need to prepare you for the world. A debt that you can never repay, nor is repayment expected.

The first part of the poem (not written in the characters to the left) suggests that the thread in a loving mother's hands is the shirt of her traveling offspring. Vigorously sewing while wishing them to come back sooner than they left.
...This part is really hard to translate into English that makes any sense but maybe you get the idea. We are talking about a poem that is so old that many Chinese people would have trouble reading it (as if it was the King James Version of Chinese).

Peace and Good Health

 ān kāng
Peace and Good Health Scroll

安康 means just what it says. It's a word that expresses both the idea of being at peace and healthy at the same time.

Note: 安康 is a bonafide word in Chinese and Korean, and the characters will at least make sense in Japanese.

Peace and Love

 hé píng bó ài
 wahei hakuai
Peace and Love Scroll

和平博愛 is the Chinese and Japanese way to express “Peace and Love.”

These are two separate words, so the calligrapher will put a slight space between the first two characters, which mean peace, and the last two, which represent universal love. This space is not shown on the sample character images for this phrase.

A special note: Word lists may seem okay in English but feel strange in Chinese and Japanese. We don't offer too many of them but this one is often-requested and feels okay in Chinese and Japanese, though a bit uncommon in Korean.


See Also:  Peace | Love

Peace and Tranquility

 tài píng
 tai hei
Peace and Tranquility Scroll

太平 means “peace and tranquility” or “peace and security” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

The literal translation would be “very balanced” or “very peaceful.”

The first character means very, much, too much, or extremely.
The second character means balanced, peaceful, calm, equal, even, level, or smooth.

Peace and Tranquility

 taihei
Peace and Tranquility Scroll

泰平 means peace and/or tranquility in Japanese and Korean (also understood but not as common in Chinese).

Power of Understanding and Wisdom

 wù xìng
 gosei
Power of Understanding and Wisdom Scroll

悟性 means the power of understanding and insight in Chinese.

It is often associated with Neo-Confucianism. In that regard, it means to realize, perceive, or have the perception of man's true nature. It can also mean finding your soul, the soul of others, or the soul of the world. Some will translate this simply as the state of being “savvy.”

In Japanese, this is often translated as wisdom and understanding.

Prosperity and Happiness

 fù lè
 furaku
Prosperity and Happiness Scroll

富樂 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for a title meaning prosperity and happiness.

If you have the desire to live in prosperity and happiness, this is for you.

Note: This title is often used in a Buddhist context.

Blessings and Protection

 bǎo yòu
Blessings and Protection Scroll

保佑 is the more religious and sometimes superstitious word for protection in Chinese. It's sort of a blessing of protection and is often translated as “bless and protect,” “blessing,” or “to bless.”

This would be used as the protection or blessing that a deity (such as God) would bestow upon you. It is not religion-specific in the same way a language cannot be specific to any religion.


祐Note: Sometimes the second character is written in the form shown to the right. Let us know if you have a preference when you place your order.


See Also:  Guardian Angel

Calm and Open Mind

 xū xīn
 ko shin
Calm and Open Mind Scroll

虛心 is a Buddhist term that speaks of being open-minded and/or having a calm and humble mind or heart.

Reach Peace and Calm Through Meditation

 ān chán
 an zen
Reach Peace and Calm Through Meditation Scroll

安禪 creates a title that means to reach peace and calm through meditation.

安禪 is an excellent wall scroll for your relaxation or meditation room.

This is also a Buddhist-related term that encompasses the idea of entering into dhyana meditation.

This is also used in Japanese, but in modern times, the second character has changed, so it's 安禅 now. If you want the modern Japanese version, just choose a Japanese calligrapher, and let me know when you place your order.

Reality and Illusion

Buddhism Concept

 zhēn wàng
Reality and Illusion Scroll

真妄 is a specifically Buddhist term that means “reality and illusion.” Out of Buddhist context, it might be read as “The real and the absurd.”

Separately, the first character means real, true, and genuine, and the second character means absurd, fantastic, or related to fantasy.

Respect and Loyalty

 zūn jìng zhōng chéng
 son kei chu sei
Respect and Loyalty Scroll

尊敬忠誠 means respect and loyalty in Chinese.

This is a word list (not a normal Chinese or Japanese phrase).

Word lists like this are not very common or natural in Chinese, so try to look for a better phrase to match your idea before you settle on this.

Strength and Love in Unity

 riki ai fu ni
Strength and Love in Unity Scroll

力愛不二 is a proverb that literally means:
“Strength [and] Love [are] Not Two [separate ideas/concepts/things].”

You'll find this proverb translated from Japanese to English as:
Love and strength are not separate.
Power and love are indivisible.
Strength and love in harmony.
Strength and love stand together.

Old Japanese grammar is quite different than English, and so this proverb says a lot within the brevity of just 4 characters. If you just read these characters directly as “Strength Love Not Two,” you'd probably miss the real meaning.


According to the Swedish Shorinji Kempo Federation, this is the second characteristic of Shorinji Kempo.

This post really explains the concept best in my opinion: Bushido by MS: Riki Ai Fu Ni, which states: "Riki Ai Funi" is the philosophy that power (Riki) and love (Ai) are indivisible. More concretely, a person, who is powerful but does not have love, cannot control and misuse his/her power; on the other hand, a person, who has loved ones but is not powerful enough, cannot protect himself/herself nor loved ones.

Safe and Sound

 píng ān wú shì
 heian buji
Safe and Sound Scroll

This proverb means “safe and sound without toil or trouble.”

It kind of means that all is well with a feeling of complete safety. The ideas contained in these characters include well-being, peace, tranquility, quietness, calmness, and non-problematic.

Safe and Sound

 píng ān
 heian
Safe and Sound Scroll

This word means “safe and sound” in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Can also be translated as well-being, peace, tranquility, quietness, and calmness.

Note: There is also a longer four-character version in our calligraphy database.


See Also:  Tranquility | Peace

Correct and Proper

 zhèng què
 seikaku
Correct and Proper Scroll

正確 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for a word meaning correct, proper, accurate, punctual, exact, authentic, or veracious.

Sincerity and Devotion

 zhì chéng
 shisei
Sincerity and Devotion Scroll

至誠 is the idea that you enter into something with the utmost sincerity and fidelity. Ideas such as devotion, honesty, and “one's true heart” are also contained in this word.

至誠 is a universal word as the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja are all identical.

Sincerity and Faithfulness

 dǔ shí
Sincerity and Faithfulness Scroll

篤實 means sincere, solid, and faithful.

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

Warriors Adapt and Overcome

Soldiers need a fluid plan

 bīng wú cháng shì shuǐ wú cháng xíng
Warriors Adapt and Overcome Scroll

This literally translates as: Troops/soldiers/warriors have no fixed [battlefield] strategy [just as] water has no constant shape [but adapts itself to whatever container it is in].

Figuratively, this means: One should seek to find whatever strategy or method is best suited to resolving each individual problem.

This proverb is about as close as you can get to the military idea of “adapt improvise overcome.” 兵無常勢水無常形 is the best way to express that idea in both an ancient way, and a very natural way in Chinese.

Stability / Calm and Orderly / Equilibrium

 ān dìng
 an tei
Stability / Calm and Orderly / Equilibrium Scroll

安定 is a word that means: quiet; settled; maintain; calm and orderly; stability; equilibrium.

Strength and Honor

 lì liàng yǔ róng yù
Strength and Honor Scroll

力量與榮譽 is “strength and honor” in Chinese.

The first two characters are usually understood as (physical) strength but can also mean power or force.

The middle character is a connecting particle similar to “and.”

The last two characters are a way to say honor but can also be understood as honorable reputation, honorary, or glory.

Strength and Love

 lì yǔ ài
Strength and Love Scroll

While not a common title for a wall scroll in China, 力與愛 means “strength and love” or “power and love” in Chinese characters.

Strength and Courage

 lì liàng hé yǒng qì
Strength and Courage Scroll

While 力量和勇氣 is not a typical Chinese phrase, this is how to write “strength and courage.”

If this is an important idea for you, we can make a great custom Chinese “strength and courage” wall scroll for you.

Strength: Strong and Solid

 qiáng gù
 kyouko
Strength: Strong and Solid Scroll

強固 means firmness, stability, security, and strength in Japanese.

It's not used commonly in China, but it means “powerful,” “firm,” “solid,” “strong,” or “better than others” in Chinese. There is a slight variation in the top of the first character between Chinese and Japanese. Because this is more of a Japanese word, we are showing the Japanese form here.

強固 is also a Korean word, but Korean Hanja uses the Chinese form of the first character (one tiny stroke is a little different), so just let me know if your audience is Korean when you place your order, and we'll have it written in the Chinese/Korean version.

Strong and Beautiful

 jiàn měi
 takemi
Strong and Beautiful Scroll

We don't really have a word like 健美 in English, but these two characters create a word that means “strong and beautiful.” It could also be translated as “healthy and beautiful.”

Note: 健美 is a word in Chinese and Korean, but it's also the family name Takemi in Japanese. The characters hold the same meaning in Japanese; however, it's like having the English name Stillwell when few people would perceive the meanings of still and well.

The Sun, Moon, and Stars

 rì yuè xīng chén
 nichigetsuseishin
The Sun, Moon, and Stars Scroll

日月星辰 is a title that encompasses all of the heavenly bodies or celestial bodies.

Namely, this includes the Sun, Moon, and Stars of our universe.

Sunny / Clear and Bright

 qíng lǎng
 seirou / sero
Sunny / Clear and Bright Scroll

晴朗 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for sunny and cloudless.

This can also mean fair, serene, clear, and bright.

This usually refers to clear weather and sunny skies.

The More We Sweat in Training, The Less We Bleed in Battle

 píng shí duō liú hàn zhàn shí shǎo liú xuè
The More We Sweat in Training, The Less We Bleed in Battle Scroll

There is more than one way to translate the ancient Chinese military proverb, 平时多流汗战时少流血. Here are a few interpretations:

A drop of sweat spent in a drill is a drop of blood saved in war.

More practice will give one a better chance of success in real situations.

The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle.

I heard this many times when I was a U.S. Marine but I had no idea at the time that it was actually an old Chinese proverb.


See Also:  Blood Sweat and Tears

Swift Fierce and Daring

 piāo hàn
 hyoukan
Swift Fierce and Daring Scroll

剽悍 is a Chinese, Japanese, and Korean word that means “swift and fierce,” referring to one's fierceness, daring, and speed.

Tension and Relaxation

 shēn suō
 shin shuku
Tension and Relaxation Scroll

伸縮 can mean, to lengthen and shorten; flexible; adjustable; retractable; extensible; expansion and contraction; elasticity; flexibility; elastic; stretchy.

伸縮 is often romanized from Korean as “Shin Chook,” which is associated with one of the 8 key concepts of Tang Soo Do.

Time and Tide Wait for No Man

 suì bù wǒ yǔ
Time and Tide Wait for No Man Scroll

歲不我與 is a Chinese proverb that means is a way to express, “Time and tide wait for no man.”

The literal meaning of these Chinese characters is, “Years don't [for] oneself wait.” In more natural English, it's more like, “Years will pass by, with or without you.”

There is also an alternate version, 时不我待, which literally means “Time doesn't [for] oneself, wait.” In natural English, it's more like, “Time waits for no man.”

Trinidad and Tobago

 tè lì ní dá hé duō bā gē
Trinidad and Tobago Scroll

This is the Chinese name for the country of Trinidad and Tobago.

Definitions vary as to whether in North or South America.


See Also:  North America | South America

Truth Goodness and Beauty

 zhēn shàn měi
 shin zen bi
Truth Goodness and Beauty Scroll

真善美 means truth, goodness, and beauty in Chinese and Japanese.

These can also be read as “the true, the good, and the beautiful.”

In Japanese, this can be the female given name Mazemi or the personal name Shinzenbi.

Turks and Caicos Islands

 tè kè sī huò kǎi kè sī qún dǎo
Turks and Caicos Islands Scroll

This is the Chinese name for the Turks and Caicos Islands (overseas territory of the United Kingdom).

Note: Sometimes a different fourth character is used.


See Also:  Asia | United Kingdom

Distinguish Good and Evil

 zhāng shàn dàn è
Distinguish Good and Evil Scroll

彰善癉惡 is a Chinese proverb that means “distinguish good and evil,” “uphold virtue and condemn evil,” “praise good and expose vice,” or “uphold good condemn evil.”

Schooled by Experience and Hard Knocks

 hyakusenrenma
Schooled by Experience and Hard Knocks Scroll

百戦錬磨 is a Japanese proverb or title that means veteran, or rather, someone schooled by adversity in many battles or someone rich in life experience.

If you are who you are because of the adversity you experienced in life, this could be your title.

Overcome: Regardless of the Rain and Wind

 fēng yǔ wú zǔ
Overcome: Regardless of the Rain and Wind Scroll

風雨無阻 is a proverb that is often translated as “Go ahead as planned regardless of the weather” or, “[Overcome] despite the rain and wind.”

This is a Chinese proverb that suggests that you are willing (or should be willing) to overcome any adversity, and accomplish your task at hand.

There is a second/optional part to this phrase that suggests that you should do this together with someone (see our other 8-character version if you want the full phrase).

 quán xīn
 zenshin
Whole Heart Scroll

全心 is a short title that means “with heart and soul” or “one's whole heart.”

It literally reads “whole heart” or “complete mind.”

The first character means all, whole, entire, or complete.

The second character means heart but can also refer to the mind or soul.

Wind and Rain

 fēng yǔ
 fuu-u
Wind and Rain Scroll

風雨 is wind and rain in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

This can also refer to the elements of trials and hardships (in life).

Each Time You Stumble and Fall, You Gain Experience and Wisdom

 chī yí qiàn, zhǎng yí zhì
Each Time You Stumble and Fall, You Gain Experience and Wisdom Scroll

吃一塹長一智 is a Chinese proverb that means “Fall into a moat, and you will gain wisdom from the experience.”

It really suggests that the failures, troubles, frustrations, and setbacks that you encounter in your life are actually helping you to find wisdom. Some would also translate this proverb as “Learn from your mistakes” or “Learn from your experience.”

If you are studying Chinese, you will recognize the first character as “eat,” but in this case, it means to “experience” (as used in this proverb, it is suggesting that you have fallen into a moat and/or had a hard time crossing it).
Translated character by character, this whole proverb is, “Experience one moat, gain one wisdom/knowledge.”

Note: This can be pronounced in Korean, but it's not a commonly used phrase.

Wise and Virtuous

 xián
 ken
 
Wise and Virtuous Scroll

賢 is used to refer to being a wise, trustworthy, and virtuous person. But it also contains the ideas of intelligence, genius, scholarship, virtue, sage, saint, good, and excellent in character.

賢 is used in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja. Also used in a Buddhist context with the same meaning.

Note: Can also be the male given name, Masaru, in Japanese.

Worldwide Wish for Peace and Prosperity

 qǐ shèng shì kāi tài píng
Worldwide Wish for Peace and Prosperity Scroll

啟盛世開太平 means “To bring flourishing peace and security to the world (our current era).”

It's a wish that a new door leading to peace and prosperity could be opened to mankind.

Character and word breakdown:
啟 to open; to start; to initiate; to enlighten or awaken.
盛世 a flourishing period; period of prosperity; a golden age.
開 to open; to start; to turn on.
太平 peace and security; peace and tranquility; peace; tranquility.
I don't like to do breakdowns like this, as the words altogether create their unique meaning (encompassed in the main title above).

Shinken Shobu

Death Match

 shinken shoubu
Shinken Shobu Scroll

In modern Japanese, 真剣勝負 means to take something very seriously.

The literal and historical meaning is “real sword battle.” In old times, a Samurai apprentice would practice with a wooden practice sword. Once trained and qualified, they would wield a real steel sword made for battle and killing. They were ready for a “death match” or Shinken Shobu.

真剣 is an adjective that has come to mean serious/earnest. The literal translation is “real sword.”

勝負 in the simplest terms, means match, contest, game, or bout. Depending on the context, it could also mean victory or defeat, winning and losing, or the outcome of a battle.

There is a suggestion in Shinken Shobu that you train with serious and real intent, as we should train with the same fervor and dedication as if the battle was real. “Train as we fight.”


See Also:  The More We Sweat in Training the Less We Bleed in Battle | Cry in the Dojo - Laugh on the Battlefield

Rise Up with Thrift and Diligence

 qín jiǎn qǐ jiā
Rise Up with Thrift and Diligence Scroll

勤儉起家 is a Chinese proverb that suggests you begin to rise up by thrift and hard work.

Diligent work and spending money wisely will almost always pay off.

Dana: Almsgiving and Generosity

 bù shī
 fuse
Dana: Almsgiving and Generosity Scroll

布施 is the Buddhist practice of giving known as Dāna or दान from Pali and Sanskrit.

Depending on the context, this can be alms-giving, acts of charity, or offerings (usually money) to a priest for reading sutras or teachings.

Some will put Dāna in these two categories:
1. The pure or unsullied charity, which looks for no reward here but only in the hereafter.
2. The sullied almsgiving whose object is personal benefit.
The first kind is, of course, the kind that a liberated or enlightened person will pursue.

Others will put Dāna in these categories:
1. Worldly or material gifts.
2. Unworldly or spiritual gifts.

You can also separate Dāna into these three kinds:
1. 財布施 Goods such as money, food, or material items.
2. 法布施 Dharma, as an act to teach or bestow the Buddhist doctrine onto others.
3. 無畏布施 Courage, as an act of facing fear to save someone or when standing up for someone or standing up for righteousness.

The philosophies and categorization of Dāna will vary among various monks, temples, and sects of Buddhism.

Breaking down the characters separately:
(sometimes written ) means to spread out or announce, but also means cloth. In ancient times, cloth or robs were given to the Buddhist monks annually as a gift of alms - I need to do more research, but I believe there is a relationship here.
means to grant, to give, to bestow, to act, to carry out, and by itself can mean Dāna as a single character.

Dāna can also be expressed as 檀那 (pronounced “tán nà” in Mandarin and dan-na or だんな in Japanese). 檀那 is a transliteration of Dāna. However, it has colloquially come to mean some unsavory or unrelated things in Japanese. So, I think 布施 is better for calligraphy on your wall to remind you to practice Dāna daily (or whenever possible).

Wisdom and Insight of the Buddha

 fó zhī jiàn
 bucchiken
Wisdom and Insight of the Buddha Scroll

This title represents the wisdom and insight of the Buddha, or the penetrative power of Buddha's wisdom, or vision.

佛知見 is a term derived from the Lotus Sutra, perhaps up to 1900 years ago.

Realization and Knowledge

 zhī
 chi
 
Realization and Knowledge Scroll

知 means realization or true knowing.

This can also translate as to know, to be aware, wisdom, or higher knowledge.

From older Buddhist ideas, this can represent विद्या (Vidyā or Vidya) or ज्ञान (Jñāna or Jnana) and even the combination Sanskrit word विज्ञान (Vijñāna or Vijnana) which can translate as wisdom arising from perception or knowing.

However, 知 should be distinguished as true knowing versus having a relative understanding or 會.

Duty to Defend and Protect Country

 shǒu tǔ yǒu zé
Duty to Defend and Protect Country Scroll

守土有責 is a Chinese proverb that expresses one's duty to defend the country.

守 means to guard, defend, keep watch, abide by the law, and/or observe (rules or ritual).
土 means land, earth, or soil.
有 is a possessive modifier in effect meaning “is a.”
責 means duty or responsibility.

So you get a literal translation of “Protecting [the] land is [a] duty/responsibility.”

The True and Complete Enlightenment

 zhēn jué
 shinkaku
The True and Complete Enlightenment Scroll

眞覺 means true and complete enlightenment.

This can refer to the perfect nirvana of the Buddha or the perception of ultimate truth or true awareness of all things (reality and unreality).

Endure and Survive

 shinogu
Endure and Survive Scroll

凌ぐ is a Japanese word that means to endure and survive.

The full list of definitions includes to endure, to keep out (e.g. rain), to stave off (e.g. starvation), to pull through, to get over, to survive, to surpass, to outdo, to excel, to eclipse, and/or to defy.

Mentor: Teacher and Friend

 liáng shī yì yǒu
Mentor: Teacher and Friend Scroll

良師益友 is a Chinese proverb or word that means good teacher and helpful friend.

In the most simple translation, these 4 characters mean mentor.

Past Future and Present

 guō qù wèi lái xiàn zài

 kako mirai genzai
Past Future and Present Scroll

過去未來現在 is a Buddhist term meaning “past, future, and present.”

In Buddhism, it is taught that we can often get stuck in thoughts about past regrets, or future plans and worries. However, what we may want to focus on is being in the present moment.

Live Long and Prosper

 Jiàn kāng cháng shòu fán róng chāng shèng
Live Long and Prosper Scroll

This means “Live Long And Prosper” in Chinese.

A phrase and greeting made famous by Leonard Nimoy in the role of Spock on the original Star Trek TV series.

Flourish and Blossom Everywhere

 biàn dì kāi huā
Flourish and Blossom Everywhere Scroll

遍地開花 is a Chinese proverb that means “to blossom everywhere,” “to spring up all over the place,” or “to flourish on a large scale.”

遍地 = everywhere
開花 = opening flowers

Words and Deeds

 yán xíng
 genkou
Words and Deeds Scroll

言行 means words and actions, what one says and what one does, speech and behavior, or words and deeds in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Unwavering Determination and Resolve

 jiān dìng jué xīn
Unwavering Determination and Resolve Scroll

This can be translated as unwavering determination, unwavering resolve, or strong determination.

堅定 means unwavering, firm, steady, staunch, and/or resolute.

決心 means determination, resolve, resolution, determined, firm and resolute, or to make up one's mind.

If you want a longer version, 堅定不移的決心 is also a popular phrase with a similar meaning. Contact me if you want that instead.

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.

People’s Livelihood and Welfare

Minsheng

 mín shēng
 minsei
People’s Livelihood and Welfare Scroll

民生 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for people’s livelihood, people’s welfare, or public welfare.

It is a product of benevolence for your fellow humans.




This in-stock artwork might be what you are looking for, and ships right away...

Bird and Fish Painting

Bird and Fish Painting

Discounted Blemished

Gallery Price: $22.00

Your Price: $12.00

Bird and Flower Painting

Bird and Flower Painting

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Gallery Price: $22.00

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Chickens and Grapes Painting

Chickens and Grapes Painting

Discounted Blemished

Gallery Price: $89.00

Your Price: $49.00

Gallery Price: $538.00

Your Price: $298.88

Gallery Price: $89.00

Your Price: $49.00

Gallery Price: $11.00

Your Price: $6.00


Dictionary

Lookup in my Japanese & Chinese Dictionary

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.