[Fuh-mi] Shikishi - Ki - SOLD OUT

"Ki", 氣, is one of the most controversially discussed concepts in Japanese martial arts as well as in Chinese martial arts (where it is known as "Chi").

The Kanji is composed of two parts, 米 and 气, respectively "rice" and "air/steam". It is often said that it represents the steam going out when cooking rice, which is consistent with the idea behind the concept of Ki, which translates as "breath, gas, atmosphere, spirit, mind, heart, feeling, mood" etc. In ancient times, rice was the main source of energy for the human body and was therefore attached to the concept of life itself.

Nowadays, Ki is used in many different words, such as "Kimochi" (feeling), "Kiko" (climate), "Kiatsu" (atmospheric pressure), "Kion" (temperature), "Kiai" (short shout uttered when performing an attack), etc.

In the Budo world as well as in the spiritual world, Ki is the essence of life (which is consistent with the Kanji representing cooked rice), the invisible strength that binds all things. It is why it is at the center of the word Aikido, but also a key concept in all martial arts.

It is a Kanji that was often drawn by Aikido's founder Morihei Ueshiba, as a core concept of his spiritual beliefs attached to Aikido. In modern Japanese, it is simply written 気, but the old version 氣, also called Kyujitai, is often used for calligraphy.

Each calligraphy is signed by the artist's seal.

A Shikishi is a traditional Japanese cardboard specially designed for calligraphy, poetry, or autographs. The high-quality paper is laminated to a hardboard with golden edges, giving the paper sturdy & exquisite support.

This Calligraphy can be purchased with or without a frame. Framed calligraphy can just as easily be hung in a kotonoma or placed on a table or on the floor at the level of the shomen. Convenient during outdoor training for example. If purchased with a frame, a Kiri engraved box will be offered, if purchased without a frame, the Shikishi will come with a free wooden stand (see photos).

Each piece is unique. Upon placing the product in your cart, the product is reserved for a short amount of time. Should you leave the website, it will be made available for other customers. We do not accept reservations: first come, first served.