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Hi, I am Andrea, from Italy. I just found this interesting blog. I immediately take on the competence of the participants to ask for help. I have this interesting scroll with calligraphy, purchased in Japan (ph.1). I think either a silk print or a lithograph. Can anyone help me with the meaning? On the back (ph.2,3) there is a script that can explain it? Thanks in advance for your attention. Sincerely, Andrea.

I would actually surprised if this was a print. From the image here it looks like a piece of calligraphy done using some resist matter. Sometimes it might be an alum solution, other times it could be something as simple as soy milk. The calligraphy would be done using one of these substances instead of ink.

Once the resist was dry, a wash of ink would be applied to the paper. The white lines thus created are where the resist substance was applied.

This calligraphy is I think a Buddhist saying along the lines of 'hold and polish the one'. 維摩一。

A very powerful piece.

Information from a dictionary of Chinese Buddhist terms found online suggests "維摩" may be Vimalakīrti (維摩居士 - the last two characters 居士 being the title of an Indian monk or nun), who is stated to have been a contemporary of Śākyamuni, the historical Buddha, and is credited with having produced one of the Sutras (a discourse or teaching of the Buddha) written during the time.

While I couldn't find 維摩一 in the Buddhist dictionary, perhaps it could be read along the lines of "Vimalakīrti first & foremost", or a like form honoring his presence and contribution at the founding of Buddhism.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Hi Bill, thank you for your competent reply. Best regards, Andrea

Many thanks Mikeoz. Since it's a cloth I also think it can be done with the "batik" technique. Although it is unusual for Japanese pieces. Thanks also for the explanation.Best regards, Andrea

I would be surprised if this was 'cloth'. I may be fine silk, but a cotton (for example) cloth would be too heavy to mount into a scroll.

The Japanese have a long history of resist dying, both for fabric and for paper. It is called Katazome (型染め) and had been practiced in Japan since the 7th century.

Thanks again, Mike. You have to apologize for my incompetence regarding the works of calligraphy.
I am a neophyte amateur of this beautiful artistic expression. I appreciate your expertise. Best regards, Andrea

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