Japanese Silk Calligraphy Scroll

Two big strokes of black ink and nothing else to say.

This calligraphy scroll was made in Japan in the 19th century, in ink on paper mounted with silk. Calligraphy scrolls are commonly hung in a tokonoma alcove, where a single phrase sets the tone for a room. Here two large, heavy characters sweep down the sheet, one with thick wet strokes and a tail that trails off. A smaller signature and a red seal sit to the left.

About 78 inches tall and 25 wide. Reads at a glance, and a long way off.