Sumi-e Calligraphy Art by Houso Oguri (KIBOU; Hope, Wish, Aspiration)

Sumi-e Calligraphy Art by Houso Oguri (KIBOU; Hope, Wish, Aspiration)
About this Piece
Kibou means “hope, wish, aspiration.” This inspired Sumi-e painting evokes hope for the future and the determination of dreams. Its strong, upright brushstrokes suggest a sense of boldness and strength, the resolve to achieve goals and the belief that wishes come true…
This art piece comes mounted on a wood board with a black border. Every Sumi-e painting is an original by Houso Oguri made exclusively for Unique Japan. She will prepare a piece for you within approximately two weeks upon order confirmation.
Size: (36cm x 51cm / 14.2in x 20.1in)
About Sumi-e
Throughout its 2000-year long history, Sumi-e began with highly-disciplined monks trained in the art of concentration, clarity, and simplicity. Sumi-e has been held in the highest esteem and became a powerful way to instill the values of Bushido, the Samurai Code of Conduct or Moral Principles.
For the swordsman, composure on the battlefield had its artistic parallel in the calm and tranquility essential before the fearless release of a brush stroke. Embodying the honorable spirit (tamashi) of ancient warrior codes, Sumi-e was a metaphor for the fleeting world of the courageous Samurai swordsman.
The sublime simplicity of Sumi-e paintings convey a sense of serenity and peace like no other art form. Sumi-e, meaning “charcoal drawing”, is an ancient Japanese art that uses ink derived from densely packed charcoal ash from bamboo or pine. Sumi-e paintings typically capture the spirit of the subject, rather than its appearance. This elegant austerity reflects sumi-e’s relationship with the tranquility of Zen Buddhism.
Artist Biography
Oguri-san was born in 1948 and began training in calligraphy at the tender age of six. As a university undergrad, she specialized in the art of Japanese calligraphy. Following her studies, Oguri-san chose to devote her life to perfecting the art of sumi-e (charcoal drawing), inspiring both young and old with her passion and skill.
A trained professor of calligraphy, Oguri-san also teaches the ancient Japanese art form of ink derived from densely packed charcoal ash. Not only do her art pieces express Zen and calm, but anyone fortunate enough to speak with Oguri-san and share her life experiences also feels a warm and immediate sense of peace.
Her work has appeared in numerous private collections in Japan, and most recently in the Tokyo showroom of exclusive kitchen maker, Poggenpohl.
Special Orders
If you are interested in a custom made piece at most any size in any Japanese kanji, for a special location such as a business reception area, restaurant, school, home, etc. please contact us.