Kakemono Calligraphy: Big Fish Do Not Live in Shallow Waters

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Period:
Meiji (1868–1912)
Dimensions (height x width):
175 x 60 cm
Item number:
4498

This piece has been sold.

Sold – no longer available

This piece was a handmade one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.

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Details about the sold piece

  • JikusakiCeramics
  • Material HonshiPaper
  • MotifCalligraphy
  • TechniqueHand-Painted

Description

Four powerfully sweeping characters fill the picture surface of this calligraphy in two lines, whose meaning translates roughly as: big fish do not live in shallow waters. The proverb alludes to the idea that significant people or talents need room and depth to unfold, and has accordingly often been used as encouragement or warning.

The work was created in the Meiji period (1868–1912) and was entirely handwritten on paper. The clear, disciplined brushwork with distinctly defined strokes suggests an experienced calligrapher who was assured in balancing legibility and artistic expression.

The roller rods are fitted with ends made of ceramics. For collectors interested in classical Chinese-Japanese proverbs and their calligraphic rendering, this kakemono represents a vivid and at the same time meaningful example of Japanese calligraphy.

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