The Cloud that Hides Your Moon

There is a traditional teaching that a samurai should be a poet. Samurai, who are daily next to fierce battles, must make a calm appearance and presence of themselves. At the same time, they must also have a literary background in their hearts. In his book, Nitobe Inazo, quoting a Prince of Shirakawa, says that the mind should turn to things like the fragrance of flowers, flowers blowing in the wind, and clouds hiding the moon. Only then can we have a quiet mind and true strength.

In this piece, I wrote about the beautiful sky, with the moon hidden by clouds. The text reads, "Though they may wound your feelings, these three you have only to forgive, the breeze that scatters your flowers, the cloud that hides your moon, and the man who tries to pick quarrels with you." This calligraphy is a meditative reflection on these teachings, intended to evoke a sense of peace and contemplation in its beholder.

"The Cloud that Hides Your Moon" (月雲) is meticulously crafted on hand-made Xuanshi pure white paper, renowned for its unique texture and longevity. Ideal for traditional painting and calligraphy, its absorbency and resilience make it perfect for ink and watercolor. The production process, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, involves meticulous craftsmanship. The longevity of Xuan paper is well-documented. With proper care, it can retain its beauty and integrity for hundreds of years when protected from light, humidity, and pests.

The ink used is Matsui Bokuundo Ink, a renowned brand of traditional Japanese ink, celebrated for its high quality and rich, deep black hue. Established in 1805 in Nara, Japan, Matsui Bokuundo specializes in producing sumi ink, essential for Japanese calligraphy and sumi-e (ink wash painting). The ink is made using a blend of natural ingredients, including soot from pine or oil and animal glue, creating a smooth and consistent flow that artists appreciate. Known for its excellent adherence to paper and long-lasting color, Matsui Bokuundo Ink is favored by both professional calligraphers and artists worldwide.

Each brushstroke in this artwork is carefully executed in the classical Japanese calligraphic style, emphasizing fluidity, grace, and precision. The piece will be available in multiple framing options to suit the aesthetic preferences of different buyers. We offer three distinct framing choices, each highlighting the unique features of the artwork and complementing its traditional Japanese essence. Detailed information about each framing option will be provided, ensuring that the final presentation of "The Cloud that Hides Your Moon" (月雲) resonates with your personal taste and the decor of your space.

Even when engaged in daily battles or driven into a corner, a samurai maintains a calm mind and converses with the enemy with a composed poetic sense. When samurai swords clash, or when a decision is reached, and one is injured, neither side panics or arrogantly intimidates the other. (Even today, in Japanese sports like judo and kendo, victory poses are not favored for this reason.) Even in such times, samurai possess a calm spirit that allows them to engage in poetic exchanges with their enemies. This enables them to maintain the most correct thinking and to always respect the opponent, even in the face of enmity. This principle is the same in modern society. Whether in business, sports, or hobbies, one will face success, failure, and obstacles. During such times, having the composure to confront people and matters calmly and respectfully while maintaining the best possible mindset is essential for humans.

The words "flower, wind" and "moon, cloud" symbolize the "beautiful elements of nature" to help maintain a poetic and calm mind. In everyday life, when facing work, success, failure, crises, and opportunities, one must remain calm. Naturally, even the author of these works cannot always maintain such composure. These works are intended for those who wish to keep such "words" that evoke the beauty of nature close at hand, to remind them of the value of remaining calm and composed.