Japanese Silk Calligraphy Scroll

One character, brushed large, and the wall goes quiet.

This calligraphy scroll was made in Japan in the 20th century, in ink on paper mounted with silk. Calligraphy scrolls are commonly hung in a tokonoma alcove or study, where a single character sets the mood of a room. The writing here is a single bold character in black ink, thick and fluid, with a smaller column of text and red seal marks beside it, which we leave unread. Cream silk frames the paper, with dark wood rollers at the bottom.

About sixty-six inches tall. Austere, sure of itself, and a fine cure for clutter.