Kanji symbols have a rich history and symbolism. Master calligrapher Nadja Van Ghelue explains and illustrates most popular kanji symbols with fine examples of Japanese calligraphy. Her artwork stresses the beauty of Japanese kanji and brings the universal inspiration of kanji symbols into your life.
Kanji symbols are as appealing as when they where created.
Japanese introduced Chinese characters into their written language in the 5th century. These characters are known as kanji. They are very old, some of them date back to 1000 B.C. but they have preserved their creative power until our days. Kanji symbols express the beauty of human life and communicate feelings to us humans in a very old way, through images. The Japanese kanji symbols are genuine pictogramms which connect us with our unspoiled human imagination, the source of all languages
Stone jars filled with wine and corn
| The kanji symbol FUKU, which means FORTUNE and WELL-BEING, is the image of a stone jar filled with food or wine. This feeling is familiar to all of us. When plenty of wine and food is stored we feel comfort and have confidence in the future. | ||
| Fuku | |||
The roots of many kanji symbols lay in our own human experiences. The Japanese kanji symbol for PEACE, AN, represents a woman underneath a roof, a picture that reminds of shelter and love.
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The kanji symbol GAKU, HAPPINESS, is the same kanji as for MUSIC, uniting music, a gift of the gods, with joy and happiness. | |
| Gaku | ||
Kanji symbols for spirited people
Master calligrapher Nadja Van Ghelue has created artistic designs of most popular kanji symbols in different styles of Japanese calligraphy. If you would like to wear kanji symbols on your clothing, here is your opportunity. We have created a kanji shirt collection with unique designs and special features: brightness, elegance, harmony, strength and beauty for you.
Do you want to see our kanji t-shirts? Click on the kanji symbols designs below to browse our kanji t-shirt collection!
Designs with inspirational Japanese kanji symbols
Designs with martial arts kanji symbols
Designs with kanji symbols in ancient Japanese calligraphy
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| Kanji for love in ancient Japanese calligraphy |
Popular pages featuring kanji symbols
| Kanji reiki symbols | The kanji love |
| The bushido kanji | The aikido kanji large | The ninja kanji |
| The seven virtues of bushido |
Kanji symbols for tattoos
Many people email me to ask about kanji for their tattoos. I would like to recommend you a book, which is a reliable source for your Japanese tattoo or design. Have a look at it and see if it’s what you need.
Designing with Kanji: Japanese Character Motifs for Surface, Skin & Spirit – In this book you will find popular kanji in four different styles of Japanese calligraphy. Some kanji included are: samurai, courage, sword, passion, dream, ninja, bushi or thundergod.
| Japanese calligraphy home | Shodo Art Gallery | Buddhist Art Scrolls |
| Japanese painting gallery | Kanji Art Gallery | About the artist |
| Sutra copying | Japanese calligraphy supplies |
| Kanji t-shirts | Martial arts t-shirts |
