Hi Ben.

Hope you are happy with your pot. It is somewhat rare for vendors of
Japanese calligraphy art to translate the text into English. They often
say, "The style of calligraphy is old (or even claim it is ancient)."
There have been changes in convention which change the expectation for
learning and reading characters. Sometimes, I can readily see why the
vendor might withold that their lovely scroll weight carries kanji
characters noting, "Buy your ink at The Red Moth Emporium."

It is not rare (exactly as your vendor suggests) for a few words to
reference more. The famous Blue Cliff Record includes the WIDELY noted
response of a Chinese monk that answered his own question regarding what
comes before and after the 15th day of the month. When his clerical
students had no response, he stated (as though answering), "Every day is a
good day." The whole incident and the spiritual message that all days are
part of an absolute reality which is unchanging is often shortened to the
two characters for "good" and "day."

On the Takagi Bonsai Museum website of "previous exhibitions" (those held in
the last month) now posted http://www.bonsaimuseum.org/e/z030103.html. Two
of the three calligraphy scrolls mounted in alcove display are "good day"
scrolls-- one of 5-character length and another of 2-character length.
"Everyday," btw, is expressed by the character for "day (or 'sun')"
repeated, so it is easily spotted.

Best wishes,
Chris

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben Griffin"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2003 3:35 PM
Subject: [IBC] Translation help


Thanks Chris i didn't suggest myself that it was
incomplete the translator thought it might be
incomplete. I like your idea of rewording it to make
more sense.

Thanks
ben

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