Japanese Blue-and-White Porcelain Plaque with Calligraphy | Nanakorobi Yaoki · Daruma | Hanging-Scroll-Style Ceramic Plaque
This Japanese blue-and-white porcelain plaque combines a traditional sometsuke (blue-and-white) ceramic plaque with the art of calligraphy. Mounted in the manner of a hanging scroll, it fully expresses the fusion of Japanese Zen culture, tea ceremony aesthetics and the art of painting and calligraphy. At the centre of the plaque the phrase “Nanakorobi yaoki” is brushed in blue, with an image of the patriarch Daruma (Bodhidharma) below. Rendered entirely in blue and white, the brushwork is bold and fluid, carrying a rich Eastern artistic character. The surround is mounted in hanging-scroll style, combining the qualities of both calligraphy and ceramics and giving the work added depth and collecting value. “Nanakorobi yaoki” comes from the Japanese saying 七転び八起き, meaning “fall down seven times, stand up eight,” and symbolizes never giving up, persevering to the end and growing stronger through setbacks. Paired with Daruma, a symbol of perseverance and the Zen mind, the work carries deep cultural meaning and an inspiring spirit.
