Japanese Shikishi
Shikishi - the most Japanese form of painting
Shikishi are traditional square panels that represent the most distinctively Japanese form of painting. They embody minimalism, elegance of brushwork, and the harmony of empty space — qualities deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics. Emerging during the Heian period (9th–12th centuries), shikishi were originally used for waka and haiku poetry. Over time, they became a canvas for small Japanese paintings (kachō-ga, seasonal landscapes, Zen inscriptions), created by artists of schools such as Rinpa, Shijō, and Nihonga. As a miniature form of art, shikishi combine calligraphy and painting in a compact format, preserving the essence of Japanese culture and the beauty of the “small form” of expression.
Shikishi are traditional square panels that represent the most distinctively Japanese form of painting. They embody minimalism, elegance of brushwork, and the harmony of empty space — qualities deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics. Emerging during the Heian period (9th–12th centuries), shikishi were originally used for waka and haiku poetry. Over time, they became a canvas for small Japanese paintings (kachō-ga, seasonal landscapes, Zen inscriptions), created by artists of schools such as Rinpa, Shijō, and Nihonga. As a miniature form of art, shikishi combine calligraphy and painting in a compact format, preserving the essence of Japanese culture and the beauty of the “small form” of expression.
Antique Shikishi
Discover Shikishi — Small Japanese Paintings in Our Gallery
Here you can explore shikishi, the most Japanese form of art — miniature panels that combine calligraphy and painting. Our gallery presents works that are currently available as well as rare pieces that once passed through our collection. Each shikishi tells its own story, from delicate seasonal flowers to Zen inscriptions, reflecting the beauty of small Japanese paintings and the timeless elegance of minimalism.
Here you can explore shikishi, the most Japanese form of art — miniature panels that combine calligraphy and painting. Our gallery presents works that are currently available as well as rare pieces that once passed through our collection. Each shikishi tells its own story, from delicate seasonal flowers to Zen inscriptions, reflecting the beauty of small Japanese paintings and the timeless elegance of minimalism.
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- Noh Theatre Warrior & Priestess
- Geisha in Kimono with Lanterns
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