"貴" (ki, toutoi). It is translated as valuable, precious, etc.
This character is written by Kanzi, Regular script.
Etymology : Phono-semantic compound
臾 (moment, instant) + 貝 (sea shell, money, currency)
The shell was used for money in the ancient times.
The ceramic ware and pottery may have been precious articles in old days like that.
It has succeeded to the value as the work of art in the present age.
Anyway, this Etymology is significant...
Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by it!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time!
b :)
precious, as you say, very precious...
ReplyDeleteGreat Hug,
Es muy interesante y a la vez complicado el aprender la caligrafía japonesa.
ReplyDeleteMe ha gustado tu explicación.
Un saludo
I'm new to your blog and I'm loving it - very interesting writing and lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteYour calligraphy is precious!
ReplyDeleteGreat image again.
The same Kanji expressing either "Sea shell" or "Money" says to us that, in the ancient past, the shells were considered as currency. They are still considered valuable in some parts in Papua New Guinea. This particular also says to us that the Japanese people is the real "marriage" between the Asian civilization and religion, together with the spirit of the Sea, deriving from Oceania. The name itself "Nihon" (The Rising Sun) is, thus, very correct.
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