Many custom options...

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


And formats...

Love Vertical Portrait
Love Horizontal Wall Scroll
Love Vertical Portrait

The name Ancient Warrior in Chinese / Japanese...

Buy an Ancient Warrior calligraphy wall scroll here!

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

See also: Bushido - Code of the Samurai Warrior


  1. Bushido / The Way of the Samurai

  2. Death Before Dishonor

  3. Fighter

  4. Filial Piety

  5. First Born

  6. Guan Gong / Warrior Saint

  7. Hua Mulan

  8. Morality of Mind

  9. Ronin / Masterless Samurai

10. Sword

11. Woman Hero / Heroine

12. Kobukan


Bushido / The Way of the Samurai

 wǔ shì dào
 bu shi do
Bushido / The Way of the Samurai Scroll

武士道 is the title for “The Code of the Samurai.”

Sometimes called “The Seven Virtues of the Samurai,” “The Bushido Code,” or “The Samurai Code of Chivalry.”

This would be read in Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja as “The Way of the Warrior,” “The Warrior's Way,” or “The Warrior's Code.”

It's a set of virtues that the Samurai of Japan and ancient warriors of China and Korea had to live and die by. However, while known throughout Asia, this title is mostly used in Japan and thought of as being of Japanese origin.

The seven commonly-accepted tenets or virtues of Bushido are Rectitude 義, Courage 勇, Benevolence 仁, Respect 礼(禮), Honour 名誉, Honesty 誠, and Loyalty 忠実. These tenets were part of oral history for generations, thus, you will see variations in the list of Bushido tenets depending on who you talk to.


See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here


See Also:  Samurai | Warrior

Death Before Dishonor

A soldier can die or kill, but never dishonor or disgrace himself

 shì kě shā bù kě rǔ
Death Before Dishonor Scroll

士可殺不可辱 almost directly matches the military idea of “Death Before Dishonor,” while also being an ancient Chinese proverb.

The direct meaning is, “[A] soldier/warrior can die/kill [but he/she] cannot [allow] dishonor/disgrace [upon himself/herself].” Chinese grammar, and especially ancient grammar, is a little different than English. Not nearly as many articles are needed, and a lot is implied.

There are a lot of ways to express ideas similar to “Death Before Dishonor” in Chinese, and I would rate this one in the top two.

This is the original form of this proverb with the character for “soldier/warrior” at the beginning. Most of the time, this character is dropped, becoming a five-character proverb (the soldier/warrior part is implied, even without the character being present in the proverb). We also offer a shorter version.

Fighter

Warrior / Soldier

 zhàn shì
 sen shi
Fighter Scroll

戰士 is how to write “fighter” in Chinese, ancient Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

The first character means war, warfare, or battle.
The second character means soldier, officer, man, or pawn.

戰士 can also mean soldier or warrior. Usually this will be read as “fighter” or “one who fights.” 戰士 is an odd selection for a wall scroll unless you are a boxer, ultimate fighter, or otherwise participate in combat sports.

Other translations include combatant or champion.


戦Note that after WWII, the first Kanji was reformed/simplified. This modern Japanese version is shown to the right. If you want this version, click on the Kanji to the right, instead of the button above.

Filial Piety

 xiào
 kou
 
Filial Piety Scroll

孝 represents filial piety.

Some will define this in more common English as “respect for your parents and ancestors.”

孝 is a subject deeply emphasized by the ancient philosophy and teachings of Confucius.

Some have included this in the list for the Bushido, although generally not considered part of the 7 core virtues of the warrior.

Note: 孝 is not the best of meanings when seen as a single character. Some will read the single-character form to mean “missing my dead ancestors.” However, when written as part of Confucian tenets, or in the two-character word that means filial piety, the meaning is better or read differently (context is important for this character).

We suggest one of our other two-character filial piety entries instead of this one.

 souryou
First Born Scroll

惣領 is a Japanese title for the eldest child, the oldest child, firstborn child, or child who carries on the family name.

In more ancient times, this was used to refer to the head of a warrior clan. It can also be a place name or given name “Souryou” or “Soryo” in Japanese.

Guan Gong / Warrior Saint

 guān gōng
Guan Gong / Warrior Saint Scroll

關公 is a Chinese title, Guan Gong, that means Lord Guan (The warrior saint of ancient China).

Guan Gong Warrior Saint While his real name was Guan Yu / 關羽, he is commonly known by the title of Guan Gong (關公).

Some Chinese soldiers still pray to Guan Gong for protection. They would especially do this before going into battle. Statues of Guan Gong are seen throughout China.

 huā mù lán
Hua Mulan Scroll

花木蘭 is the name of the famous Chinese woman warrior Hua Mulan.

She was made famous in the west by Disney's animated movie, “Mulan.”

Most of the historical information about her comes from an ancient poem. It starts with a concerned Mulan, as she is told a man from each family is to serve conscription in the army. Her father is too old, and her brother is too young. Mulan decides to take the place of her father. After twelve years of war, the army returns, and the best warriors are awarded great posts in the government and riches. Mulan turns down all offers and asks only for a good horse for the long trip home. When Mulan greets visiting comrades wearing her old clothes, they are shocked to find the warrior they rode into battle with for years is actually a woman.

Morality of Mind

 xīn dé
Morality of Mind Scroll

The idea of 心德 or “morality of mind” goes along with 行德 or “wu de” (martial morality or virtues of the warrior).

Here, the first character is a representation of your heart or mind.
The second character refers to morality or virtue.

This can also be translated as “morality of heart,” “virtue of heart,” or “virtue of the mind.”

Since ancient times in Asia, the idea of your mind (where your soul resides and your thought originates) has been associated with the heart. Just as in western culture, where we say “it comes from the heart” or “heartfelt emotions,” there is a belief that your heart and mind are one and the same (medical science now begs to differ).


See Also:  Morality of Deed | Martial Morality

Ronin / Masterless Samurai

 làng rén
 rou nin
Ronin / Masterless Samurai Scroll

The 浪人 or Ronin have no master - The most famous are the 47 ronin created after their Lord committed suicide. This term was not a positive title for the Samurai of ancient Japan. However, in recent years, movies and video games have glorified the term Ronin.

In Chinese, this term has the original meaning of a hobo, vagabond, or ruffian.
In Korean Hanja, these characters would be read as adventurer, wanderer, someone without a steady job, or someone who is wasting away time.

In modern Japan, this term is used as a nickname for a high school student who has failed a college entry exam (and is trying again).

In Chinese and Korean, the Japanese definition of “Masterless Samurai” is known because of the historical context. Even in Japanese, the literal translation is closer to the Chinese and Korean definitions shown above.

This will make a fine wall scroll if you are a fan of the Ronin or see yourself as a Ronin of sorts. However, please think twice before getting a Ronin tattoo!

 jiàn
 ken / tsurugi
 
Sword Scroll

劍 is pronounced “jian” in Chinese. When you say it, imagine that you are making the sound of a sword as it clashes with a metal shield. This might get you closer to the correct pronunciation in Chinese.

I actually wonder if this word came from the metallic ringing sounds of a sword in battle - but such knowledge is lost in history.

The sword is a symbol of a warrior. The one thing that a soldier in ancient China lived and died by. A warrior with his skills and sword proves himself of great value. A warrior who losses his sword instantly becomes worthless.

劍 is an excellent scroll for someone in the military (especially officers of all services - as well as enlisted NCO Marines since they still carry swords even if mainly for ceremonial purposes). Or perhaps someone who practices variations of kung fu or tai chi that involve weapons.

Please note that while this character is understood with the sword meaning in Japanese, you might be looking for the word “katana” which also means sword in Japanese but means “knife” in Chinese.


There are other ways to write sword, and here are a few...
Common Japanese and rare Chinese traditional form of sword Typical traditional form of sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese This one kind of means golden sword in Chinese Typical traditional form of sword in Chinese Common Japanese and rare Chinese traditional form of sword Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese This one kind of means golden sword in Chinese Typical traditional form of sword in Chinese Typical traditional form of sword in Chinese Common Japanese and rare Chinese traditional form of sword Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese This one kind of means golden sword in Chinese Typical traditional form of sword in Chinese Common Japanese and rare Chinese traditional form of sword Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese This one kind of means golden sword in Chinese Typical traditional form of sword in Chinese Common Japanese and rare Chinese traditional form of sword Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese Old/Alternative way to write sword in Chinese This one kind of means golden sword in Chinese
If you are particular about the version you receive, please let me know when you place your order (Note: Special styles are only available from one of our master calligraphers).

Woman Hero / Heroine

 jīn guó yīng xióng
Woman Hero / Heroine Scroll

巾幗英雄 is an excellent and somewhat ancient way to say woman hero in Chinese. 巾幗英雄 is used in modern times to refer to an outstanding woman or a woman with significant accomplishments.

In the old days, it was a title for a woman warrior (oh, did I mention that there were great female generals who led massive armies into battle in ancient China?)

 ko bu kan
Kobukan Scroll

古武館 is the martial arts style Kobukan or Kobu-Kan.

The meaning is “ancient warrior hall.”

古 = Old, ancient, antique, or paleo-
武 = Martial, warrior, or military.
館 = Hall, building, school room, or an alternate word for a dojo.




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

Gallery Price: $63.00

Your Price: $35.00

Gallery Price: $106.00

Your Price: $58.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $79.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $88.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $79.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $79.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $79.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $79.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $98.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $88.88

Gallery Price: $232.00

Your Price: $128.88

Gallery Price: $200.00

Your Price: $88.88


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

Title CharactersRomaji (Romanized Japanese)Various forms of Romanized Chinese
Bushido
The Way of the Samurai
武士道bu shi do / bushidowǔ shì dào
wu3 shi4 dao4
wu shi dao
wushidao
wu shih tao
wushihtao
Death Before Dishonor士可殺不可辱
士可杀不可辱
shì kě shā bù kě rǔ
shi4 ke3 sha1 bu4 ke3 ru3
shi ke sha bu ke ru
shikeshabukeru
shih k`o sha pu k`o ju
shihkoshapukoju
shih ko sha pu ko ju
Fighter戰士
战士 / 戦士
sen shi / senshizhàn shì / zhan4 shi4 / zhan shi / zhanshichan shih / chanshih
Filial Pietykou / koxiào / xiao4 / xiaohsiao
First Born惣領souryou / soryo
Guan Gong
Warrior Saint
關公
关公
guān gōng
guan1 gong1
guan gong
guangong
kuan kung
kuankung
Hua Mulan花木蘭
花木兰
huā mù lán
hua1 mu4 lan2
hua mu lan
huamulan
Morality of Mind心德xīn dé / xin1 de2 / xin de / xindehsin te / hsinte
Ronin
Masterless Samurai
浪人rou nin / rounin / ro ninlàng rén / lang4 ren2 / lang ren / langrenlang jen / langjen
Sword
ken / tsurugijiàn / jian4 / jianchien
Woman Hero
Heroine
巾幗英雄
巾帼英雄
jīn guó yīng xióng
jin1 guo2 ying1 xiong2
jin guo ying xiong
jinguoyingxiong
chin kuo ying hsiung
chinkuoyinghsiung
Kobukan古武館
古武馆
ko bu kan / kobukan
In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line.
In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese.


Dictionary

Lookup Ancient Warrior in my Japanese & Chinese Dictionary


Successful Chinese Character and Japanese Kanji calligraphy searches within the last few hours...

A Journey of 1000 Miles Feels Like OneA Life of Serenity Yields UnderstandingAadenAadonAbdulAchillesAdeleAdhiAdrianAdrielAiniAiramAlanisAlexaAliceAlistairAllyAlone With Only Your Shadow for CompanyAlways Be PreparedAlways Striving for Inner StrengthAnahiAnderAndersonAngelicaAngieAnitaAnnalynAntoinetteAntonArandaArelyArindamArjonArnieArt of HealingAsayama Ichiden-RyuAvengerAvrilAwakeningBarunBastiBerengarBest Love Most Sincere LoveBetelgeuseBlancaBloodless VictoryBodhisattvaBon VoyageBoundlessBreaBreannaBrenBrielBrooklynBuddha ScrollBudo-KaiBullBushi KaiCaineCalm MindCapricornCarmeliCastilloCelestial DragonCelicaCesarChadCheriChristaChristyCirceClarisseClaudiuClementineCliffordConstantinoCorazonCourage to Do What is RightDaito-RyuDakotaDalenDanielleDanniDarinDavianDemonteDennieDenzDetermination to AchieveDhannaDiamondDickinsonDojochoDonaDragon EmperorDynamic Energy EnthusiasmEagleEdenEleuterioEllenElmerEloiseEmmanuelEnisEnjoy LifeEssenceEverlyEzraFailure Teaches SuccessFearlessFernFifiFive FortunesFive Reflections - GoseiFlexibility Overcomes StrengthFordForeverFour SeasonsFudoshinGeminyGeorgeGladysGo Rin No ShoGoju-RyuGoldGood Health Healthy VigorGoshin JutsuGoshin-DoGouthamGregGreggGuanyinGudoGunterHaiderHarmonyHaruHealing PersonHeartHollyHoshiHunterIchigo IchieIchigo KurosakiImprovise Adapt OvercomeIndestructibleIron ManIssacIzabellaJanaJayeJeraldJerlynJeromeJessicaJettJobinJollyJuliKadieKaelynKarate-DoKareemKarlKateKathyKatrinKatsujinkenKawasakiKayleighKeep CalmKelseaKen Zen Ichi NyoKenyonKeziahKodokan AikidoKodyKokoro O MoyaseKusaLambertLathamLitaLoreenLuceroLucioMacintyreMadonnaMaiaMaliaManzoMariaMarimarMarishiten MariciMaritaMary JaneMen Die for Wealth Birds Die for FoodMeraMickaelMico

All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.

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

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

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


A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

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

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

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

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

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

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

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

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


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

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

52 people have searched for Ancient Warrior in Chinese or Japanese in the past year.
Ancient Warrior was last searched for by someone else on Feb 27th, 2024