Kei Sato: Ancient Calligraphy: 牛 (cattle)

Meaning: Cattle

Pronunciation: niú

A depiction of a cow viewed from the front. It is distinguished from a sheep by the direction of its horns.

Delivery: 4-6 weeks

Refund Policy: https://japantastics.jp/policies/refund-policy

Specifications:

Calligraphy paper (hanshi-size): 243mm×334mm

Each character is handwritten by the artist, one at a time, so the piece you receive may have gentle variations from the one shown on this site.

Artist’s Seal (Rakkan):

Made of stone.
The artist’s personal seal, carved in stone, is stamped in red as a mark of authenticity once the artwork is completed.

Inden (traditional “shuniku” read seal ink)]

Inden is a traditional red paste ink applied when stamping the artist’s seal.
It is known for its strong pigmentation and lasting color that does not easily fade over time.

Packaged in one of the cylindrical cases (shown in photo).

Yuzen Paper Tube
Size: Ø 74 × 420 mm

Please note that colors are assorted and cannot be specified.

What Is Urauchi (Backing)?

Urauchi is a traditional mounting technique in which a reinforcing sheet of paper is applied to the back of an artwork. This prevents wrinkles and sagging, particularly in works created on washi paper such as sumi-ink paintings and calligraphy.

Because of the nature of paper, it shrinks when moisture—such as ink—is applied. During the creation of a piece, the areas touched by ink shrink while the untouched areas do not. As this process repeats, distortion gradually appears on the artwork, resulting in wrinkles and unevenness. Imagine a freshly written calligraphy piece—it is often wrinkled and wavy when left as is.

To restore and preserve the artwork’s beauty, uraushi is performed. Once the backing paper is applied, wrinkles disappear, and the artwork becomes smooth and refined. The added white backing enhances the depth of the ink, making the black tones more vivid and expressive.

In fact, uraushi can completely transform the impression of a piece. It is no exaggeration to say that an artwork is only truly complete once backing has been applied. For framing or mounting into a hanging scroll, uraushi is an essential finishing process.

Oil-Soot Ink (Yu-en Boku)

Meticulously produced using the pure soot derived from the controlled combustion of select rapeseed and sesame oils, Oil-Soot Ink embodies the pinnacle of traditional ink-making craftsmanship. The soot is collected with utmost care and refined through time-honored techniques, resulting in an ink of extraordinary depth and velvety richness.

Its naturally lustrous finish enhances every brushstroke with a subtle radiance, creating profound blacks and graceful tonal gradations that elevate both calligraphy and fine art to a higher aesthetic realm.

Cherished by discerning artists and calligraphers, this exquisite ink offers a writing experience that is as timeless as it is luxurious.

About Kei Sato (major overseas activities)

1970: Began practicing ancient Chinese calligraphy.

1994: Became independent.

1997: Established Raira Studio. Developed an original technique of expressing letters with granite in its original stone color, presented a lithograph. Held an exhibition at Nagoya・Gallery 141 themed “Taking ancient Chinese Calligraphy into modern times”. Her works in Jiangsu Golden Mausoleum Restaurant, Jiangsu Nanjing, China.

1999: Her works were exhibited in Beijing China Museum of History International Calligraphy Exhibition. Held an exhibition at gallery in Hakuseki Museum in Gifu Pref.

2000: Her works were exhibited in Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum International Calligraphy Exhibitions, Jiangsu China. Held an exhibition at Nihonbashi Gallery “Kai” in Tokyo, Japan.

2006: Her works were exhibited at Melbourne Art Show ’06, Australia. Her works were exhibited at Collingwood Gallery (Art Collection ’06), Australia.

2009: Won China-Japan Peace Prize at Tokyo International Art Exhibitions. (Sesion Suginami, Tokyo) Her works were exhibited at Euro-American “America Arts Exhibitions” in Tennessee, USA.

2010: Won “Art Gallery Prize” at Tokyo International Art Exhibitions (Tokyo Metropolitan Arts Museum).

2011: Exhibited at International “Japan – France Exhibition of Contemporary Art”, Aoyama Spiral Won “Art Gallery First Prize” at International Art Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Arts Museum. Won Award of Excellence at Mexico International Art Exhibition, Mexico. Participated in 21st Century International Artists Exchange and Exhibition, Seoul. Held an exhibition in Salon d’Automne, Paris (France).

2012: Participated in Internatonal Art Exhibitions “Spain Art Exhibitions”, Spain. Won “Special Prize” (The Window of Art Prize) at *International Japan – France Exhiition of Contemporary Art”, the National Art Center. Participated in 21st Century International Artists Exchange and Exhibition, Jilin (China). Held an exhibition in Salon d’Automne, Paris (France).

2013: Exhibited at International “Japan – France Exhiition of Contemporary Art”, The National Art Center.

2014: Exhibition at Kyoto International Hotel, Kyoto Exhibited at International “Japan – France Exhibition of Contemporary Art”, The National Art Center. Held an exhibition in Salon d’Automnt, Paris (France). Participated in 21st Century International Artists Exchange and Exhibition. Won Mayor’s Award, Keelung City (Taiwan).

2015: International Arts Exhibition (Belgium – Holland Arts Exhibition), Belgium 45th Anniversary.

2016: Participated in the Euro-American 'French Art Prize Exhibition' featuring a special large-scale display of black and white works (Corsica).

2018: Participated in the Euro-American 'Spanish Art Prize Exhibition' (Spain).
Participated in the Euro-American 'Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition' (The National Art Center, Tokyo).
Participated in the 21st Century Calligraphic and Painting Artists International Exchange Exhibition (Seoul).
Exhibited at the Salon d'Automne (Paris, France).

2019: Participated in the Euro-American 'Finland Art Prize Exhibition' (Finland).
Selected for the Salon d'Automne (Paris, France).

2020: Selected for the Salon d'Automne (Paris, France).

2021: Participated in the Euro-American 'Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition' (The National Art Center, Tokyo).
Selected for the Salon d'Automne (Paris, France).