A Mirror of Gathered Seaweed (Mokagami) - Various calligraphers
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A reproduction of the Mokagami, a historical Japanese handscroll featuring a curated collection of calligraphic fragments from various authors.
The Mokagami, or A Mirror of Gathered Seaweed, is a significant example of the Japanese practice of collecting and preserving fragments of ancient calligraphy. This work functions as a compilation, or kohitsugire, where disparate pieces of writing from various historical figures, including emperors, aristocrats, and monks, are mounted together onto a single scroll. The title itself serves as a metaphor for the act of gathering scattered remnants, much like seaweed washed upon a shore, to preserve them for future study and appreciation.
The visual composition is defined by the juxtaposition of different paper types, ink colours, and script styles. Some fragments are written on plain, light-toned paper, while others appear on dark, indigo-dyed paper, creating a rhythmic contrast across the scroll. The calligraphic styles vary from formal, structured characters to more fluid, cursive scripts, reflecting the diverse hands of the individuals who penned these texts. Each fragment is accompanied by an attribution label, identifying the author of the specific passage, which adds a layer of historical documentation to the aesthetic arrangement.
This scroll provides a window into the aesthetic values of the Japanese aristocracy, who placed great importance on the mastery of the brush. By mounting these fragments, the compilers created a curated archive that allowed collectors to compare different styles and techniques. The arrangement is deliberate, balancing the density of the text with the surrounding negative space of the mounting paper. The result is a visual record of literary and religious texts, preserved through the medium of ink on paper. This print captures the texture of the original materials, from the subtle variations in the paper grain to the depth of the ink strokes, offering an authentic representation of this traditional Japanese art form.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
A Mirror of Gathered Seaweed (Mokagami) - Various calligraphers
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
You May Also Like