This vintage handwritten shikishi card features the bold calligraphic phrase 和顏 (wagan), a classical expression meaning “gentle face,” “harmonious expression,” or “peaceful countenance.” Written with confident, rounded brushstrokes, the characters convey warmth and composure rather than sharp tension, allowing the ink to breathe naturally against the pale surface of the board.
In Japanese and broader East Asian thought, 和顏 carries a deeply human and ethical nuance. It refers not only to a calm facial expression, but to an inner state of harmony that naturally appears outwardly. In Buddhist contexts, a gentle face reflects a cultivated heart—free from anger, arrogance, or agitation—and is seen as a sign of true mindfulness and compassion. To meet others with wagan is to create peace before words are even spoken.
The placement of the characters, with generous spacing and subtle variations in ink density, reinforces this idea of balance and softness. The calligrapher’s seal adds a formal, contemplative finish, grounding the work within the tradition of devotional and philosophical shikishi.
As a display piece, this shikishi serves as a quiet reminder that harmony begins with one’s presence. A calm expression, shaped by inner clarity, has the power to ease situations, invite trust, and bring subtle peace into everyday life.
Size: 24 x 27cm
