40.7cm
16"
16"
39.6cm
15½"
15½"
Approximate Measurements
Artwork Panel: 30.6cm x 31.3cm ≈ 12" x 12¼"
Silk/Brocade Border: 39.6cm x 40.7cm ≈ 15½" x 16"
This character is "shou" in Chinese, "ju" or sometimes "kotobuki" in Japanese Kanji, and "수" or "su" in old Korean Hanja. This means long life or longevity.
The Chinese pronunciation is similar to the English word, "show".
This is a popular gift given to grandparents and older people in China to show a wish that they live for a long time.
Maybe you can give it to your grandparents or another loved one to show your desire for them to live forever.
Link: Options for custom Longevity and Long-Life 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".