OK... Yes, it's true. We only have one granddaughter so she'll always be our favorite.
A couple years ago, our son asked us if mom would write JD's name in kanji (Chinese characters). Then last year when his second son was born, mom wrote her second great grandson's name also in kanji. It's a lot harder than it looks to do the kanji calligraphy so that it would look beautiful.
It then occurred to me in early spring that we should do the same for our granddaughter, KC. However, when I asked KC if she'd like her great grandmother to write her name, KC said she'd prefer great grandma to write something more special.
I wondered if KC would choose peace or good health or long life or harmony or whatever...
KC said she wanted Happiness. Mom said that would be koufuku.
Wouldn't you know KC would pick something that would be a little trickier to write? It took a lot of tries before mom was more or less satisfied.
When we were in Illinois last month, we framed the kanji at Michaels.
With the elegant frame and double matting, the kanji looked gorgeous. Everybody loved it so much, it now hangs not in KC's room but in the living room for everyone to admire.
When we returned to Hawaii, I showed mom a picture of her framed kanji and she asked me who had written it.
Needless to say, she was quite thrilled that the beautiful piece is hanging in a place of honor.
What kanji would you choose?
A couple years ago, our son asked us if mom would write JD's name in kanji (Chinese characters). Then last year when his second son was born, mom wrote her second great grandson's name also in kanji. It's a lot harder than it looks to do the kanji calligraphy so that it would look beautiful.
It then occurred to me in early spring that we should do the same for our granddaughter, KC. However, when I asked KC if she'd like her great grandmother to write her name, KC said she'd prefer great grandma to write something more special.
I wondered if KC would choose peace or good health or long life or harmony or whatever...
KC said she wanted Happiness. Mom said that would be koufuku.
Wouldn't you know KC would pick something that would be a little trickier to write? It took a lot of tries before mom was more or less satisfied.
When we were in Illinois last month, we framed the kanji at Michaels.
With the elegant frame and double matting, the kanji looked gorgeous. Everybody loved it so much, it now hangs not in KC's room but in the living room for everyone to admire.
When we returned to Hawaii, I showed mom a picture of her framed kanji and she asked me who had written it.
Needless to say, she was quite thrilled that the beautiful piece is hanging in a place of honor.
What kanji would you choose?
That is beautiful, your mum is very gifted, I choose harmony,
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote a blog post about this in 2011.
Deletehttps://travelerswife.blogspot.com/2011/04/kanji-coincidence-or-karma.html
Wa 和 is harmony in Japanese.
It is lovely. But if happiness is one word why are there so many symbols including one that looks like a person (lower left)?
ReplyDeleteI looked up koufuku and found a website that gives the kanji in Japanese and Chinese. They have the same meaning. I think fuku alone means good fortune or something like that. When you add the top kou, it becomes happiness. I think.
DeleteThat is a real treasure!
ReplyDeleteWow! I simply LOVE it, Kay. What a wonderful gift. :-)
ReplyDeleteTears in my eyes so touching and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteANy good thoughts would do...peace, love, joy all needed in our world. beautiful artwork!
ReplyDeleteI like Love 愛 Ai. It's a tricky kanji to write though.
DeleteI knew when I read your title today that she was your ONLY granddaughter... ha....
ReplyDeleteWow--your mom did a great job with that word... HAPPINESS is go important.. Love it.
Right now, at my age, I would probably choose HEALTH --since good health is even more important for me now....
Hugs,
Betsy
健 Ken is definitely important at our age.
Deletewhat a wonderful keepsake!
ReplyDeleteI would choose "Peace," not just for me but for the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for donating the microwave.
I was hoping for Peace. That's 平和 heiwa. Yes, we really need it in our country and around the world.
DeleteInteresting tradition. I'd have to think for a long time about what I would like.
ReplyDeleteBefore I choose a kanji, I would like to know what one does with that hard, black rectangle thingamajig. Is that an ink bar and you rub a wet brush on it? I ask because I have a calligraphy kit someone gave me, and I don't know how to use it. Maybe Mom could enlighten me.
ReplyDeleteHi Hank! Here is a sumi demonstration I found on YouTube that will explain everything for you.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/0fweYYmWK2g
It explains how to rub the ink stick onto the stone to make the ink which you will use by dipping your brush into that well. Mom says I wasn't being patient and spending more time with the rubbing so the ink was too light at first. Good luck. You're so wonderfully artistic. I can just imagine what you can create with the ink set.
My kanji would be for GRATITUDE.
DeleteThat is certainly a beautiful word. But wow! The kanji is not easy. 感謝 Kansha is gratitude. I've heard my mother use that term quite often.
DeleteI would choose "Peace". Her work is lovely!
ReplyDeletePeace would be 平和 heiwa. I was hoping for that kanji because it looked easier.
DeleteShe really has a great hand. Now wonder KC is thrilled. Happiness would cover it for me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure KC will treasure it forever.
ReplyDeleteI know in katakana my name is アダム
ReplyDeleteSince China doesn't have an alphabet of letters for foreign names it's 亞當 in traditional Chinese.
And yes, you're right. That would sound like Ah-dah-moo. Wow! Interesting to see it in Chinese characters.
DeleteI hope KC treasures her great-grandmother's masterpiece for many years.
ReplyDeleteHi...new reader from Joanne's Cup on the Bus blog.
ReplyDeleteI used to know my name in katakana...never got around to learning kanji save for the kanji for Nihon.
Your mom is a very talented calligrapher.
Thank you, Bea. It's so very nice to meet you.
DeleteSuch a wonderful gift for KC. Her grandmother will be with her always. Peace is good for me too.
ReplyDeleteThat's a treasure.
ReplyDelete