Calligraphy on Paulownia wood – Ren 「練」("practice")

Ren is one of the most critical components of martial arts. Its original meaning was "to improve quality by adding hands," but nowadays it refers to practicing and training. Ren is linked to both mental and physical training, as well as continually perfecting each and every technique, even after mastery has been obtained, therefore making Budo a life-long practice.

About kiri (paulownia)

Kiri, known in the West as paulownia, or sometimes princess tree, is a lightweight wood that has a distinctive silky surface. It offers a beautiful contrast with black ink.

Kiri were once sacred trees in China, because people believed that phoenixes only perched on their branches. Due to these revered origins, the Japanese imperial family adopted the kiri flower as one of its emblems towards the end of the first millennium.

In Japan, it was also customary to plant a paulownia when a girl was born. Later, when the daughter married, the tree would be cut down and transformed into a dresser for her kimonos.

Nowadays, kiri wood is often used to craft furnitures, music instruments or gift box.

Hanging system

This calligraphy features a set of metallic hooks and wire for hanging. These can be easily removed and replaced with your own system or frame if you wish to do so.