Watercolor

"In traditional Japanese calligraphy the use of color, other than the reddish seal, is strictly forbidden. If color is used in a professional competition in Japan the work will be disqualified without being considered.

This is not to say that traditional Japanese calligraphy has no color: sumi ink might appear to be jet black, but to the trained eye traces of color may be seen especially on the kasure strokes. In fact, some of the highest quality sumi ink sticks are sold by the color they give with brown and blue tints being two prized options.

Because I have this background and after moving to the United Sates, it was with a sense of adventure and liberation that I began to add color to my own designs. Slowly at first with only a trace of color. This is a style that even today I find very appealing as even a hint of color can add dramatically to the work.

In my newest work "Wind in Blue" which I am offering as a limited edition, the entire work, including the seal is in blue. This may represent a major shift in my art but it also was the only way I felt I could capture the totality of one particularly cold, clear and beautifully blue winter day."

Eri Takase, Master Calligrapher

The Wave

This original work is based on the kanji for Wave. This artwork is sumi-ink and watercolor on handmade Japanese paper. Each work is an original signed with the artist's seal in the lower left. As such each work will differ somewhat from the above image.

 

18" W x 12 3/4" H - Unframed Handmade Japanese Paper $135

20" W x 16" H - Framed Handmade Japanese Paper $240