Bushidō Code Paintings – Samurai Inspired Art
Buy the Bushidō - Samurai Print
Bushidō means “The Way of the Warrior”, the unwritten code of conduct for the samurai warrior of ancient Japanese, and includes:
Gi – Justice
Yū – Bravery
Jin – Benevolence
Rei – Politeness
Makoto – Veracity
Meiyo – Honor
Chūgi – Loyalty
Buy the 7 Codes of Bushidō Print
To some extent, the Bushidō code is similar to the concept of chivalry.
I find this balance between violent behavior and honor fascinating. Even though we’re now in the 21st century, the Bushidō Code can still guide us in managing conflicts and living an authentic life.
Too often, I’m quick to equate violence with revenge and protecting your own honor; which sounds ridiculous because how can anyone take your honor unless you hand it over to them yourself? When the words violence, conflict and war come to mind, I habitually think of violence originating from hatred, revenge and corruption. Running through my mind are thoughts of gangs, school bullies and abusive parents (just to name a few).
What my recent reading about Bushidō has done is remind me that violence can also be very heroic and driven from love. Even the most gracious and timid mothers would quickly turn into a wild beast to protect her child from harm’s way. In my opinion, this is the kind of courageous behavior that follows the way of the Japanese samurai. It is to live life of integrity and to resort to violence only when it stems from justice, honor, loyalty and protection from harm.
The Paintings
I wanted to make a set of paintings using the idea of Bushidō. I decided to use red paint for the background, to symbolize the violent aspect of the samurai’s way of life. To counterbalance the blood and the war, I painted white Japanese calligraphy to symbolize the wisdom and dignity of the Bushidō Code.
Tags: About Soniei's Art, Abstract Paintings, Japanese Bushido Paintings, Japanese Samurai Paintings, samurai bushido painting, Soniei's Painting Stories
May 28th, 2009 at 8:38 am
gorgeous, love that dramatic red with the black coming through. these prints fit the subject perfectly.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Thank you so much! =D I hope these paintings make the new owner(s) really happy. : )
June 7th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Soniei, your work is beautiful! I just finished looking through your website and I am so very impressed. I too am influenced by Japanese culture in my art, so I really appreciate the work you have done. Please keep it up! You are an inspiration!
August 5th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
As the 9th and final generation of a warrior family from Ako (the province of the 47 Ronin), you make my heart glad with your profound clarity and understanding of why true warriors choose to fight and die rather than run and “negotiate”.
Perhaps our lives did amount to something, hopefully long after our bones have turned to dust.
Domo arigato gozaimashta.