This is the character for 義 (GI) painted first on paper, then scanned to create a reverse image, reminiscent of the rubbings made on paper from painted characters carved in stone. 義 is defined in various nuances as “morality, righteousness, justice, honour (honor)”, and appears often in Samurai Culture.


The character is made of two parts 羊 (sheep) and 我 (ego), suggesting the subjugation of the self or ego in the service of a higher purpose. Even the word 侍 (Samurai) means “one who serves” and is made of two parts ⺅(person) and 寺 (temple).



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