Note: These Kanji are written horizontally from right-to-left in the ancient traditional way (opposite of English).

The Way of the Samurai

This is a special edition. This horizontal wall scroll must be hung carefully between two nails or hooks. Those nails or hooks must be placed perfectly so the scroll is taunt but not too tight as to tear it.
See our Bushido Way of the Samurai page for more custom Japanese calligraphy options related to Bushido concepts.

During the 9th and 12th centuries in Japan the warrior class were known as samurai, also called bushi (knights/warriors - bushi hence bushido).
They emerged from the provinces of Japan to become the ruling class until their decline and later total abolition in 1876 during the Meiji Era.

These warriors were men who lived by Bushido; it was their way of life. The samurai's loyalty to the emperor and his overlord or daimyo were unsurpassed. They were trustworthy and honest. They lived frugal lives with no interest in riches and material things, but rather in honor and pride. They were men of true valor. Samurai had no fear of death. They would enter any battle no matter the odds. To die in battle would only bring honor to one's family and one's lord.

The actual code was passed on verbally to each generation of samurai, but over time, seven chief virtues emerged, and became the written form of Bushido.

Of course, credit is generally given that a Chinese man (known in the west as "Confucius") is the father of these values in China. Therefore, you'll find these concepts belong not only to the Japanese samurai, but have spread throughout Asia. Variations of these soldierly and moral values can be seen in China, Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere.

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Authentic Japanese Calligraphy by Japanese Master Calligrapher Bishou Imai

Bishou was born and raised in Nara, Japan. She began her studies of Calligraphy at the age of four at Baikou Calligraphy School. When Bishou was 25 years old, she received a membership to the Tenshin Kai (calligraphy society) and her life as a calligrapher began. Bishou progressed to the next level, becoming a member of the Cho-ko Guild which is the most prestigious calligraphy society in Japan. During her apprenticeship, she taught calligraphy and studied the art of Japanese silk scroll making (hyougu) at Mizuno Hyougu-ten.

In 1998, Master Calligrapher Bishou Imai was awarded the highest rank in Japanese Calligraphy of Shihan. She currently holds a guild license for teaching both calligraphy and instructing teachers to teach calligraphy.

Bishou Imai is among the few to have won multiple best of category awards in national competitions (Japan). Her work has been displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Osaka Municipal Museum Of Art, Nara City Museum Of Art and Kyoto Municipal Museum Of Art.

In Addition to being a calligrapher, she is also an "artisan artist" (Hyougushi).

is how Bishou is written. This name means "Beautiful Cliff/Mountain". You will see these characters signed just before the red signature stamp on her calligraphy pieces.