SumiFox

Frequently asked questions

Shodo & Sumi

What does Shodo mean?
Shodo (書道) is Japanese calligraphy — literally 'the way of writing'.
What does Sumi mean?
Sumi is Japanese ink, traditionally made from soot and glue.

Works & materials

Are the works originals?
Yes. Every work is a hand-written one-of-a-kind piece by the artist in Japan – sumi ink on paper, unframed and delivered flat on washi.
Are works shipped framed?
No. All works ship unframed.
Which sizes are available?
Each original has its own dimensions. Exact measurements are listed on the individual work page.
How are the works packaged?
Each work is protected with paper and sturdy shipping packaging. Careful packaging and shipping are included in the price.

Artists & provenance

How does SumiFox select artists?
Atsuko curates the selection based on quality, material, meaning and personal relationship.
Does SumiFox buy directly from artists?
Yes. We buy directly and pay fair prices.

Orders & payment

Which payment methods are available?
Pay securely through Shopify by credit card.
How do I order an original?
Choose an available work, add it to your cart and complete your order securely through Shopify. For works marked as references, please send an inquiry using our contact form.

Shipping & returns

Where do you ship to?
We ship within the EU from Berlin. Packaging and shipping are included in the price; delivery usually takes about one week.

For artists

Can artists submit their work?
Yes. Please use the form on the For Artists page.

Artists & collaborations

Who is Hatanaka Sachiyo / 畠中咲菫?
Hatanaka Sachiyo / 畠中咲菫 is a Japanese calligrapher and founder of Calligraphy 墨麗. Her work combines design lettering, commercial typography and free calligraphy. SumiFox presents smaller formats of her work for European living and working spaces.
Why does SumiFox offer smaller formats?
Many calligraphy works are created in larger formats for exhibition contexts. SumiFox develops smaller, individually sized formats with artists — easier to ship, place and collect.
Who ships the works?
Works are first sent by the artist to Berlin. SumiFox handles packaging, payment, customer communication and shipping.
Are commissions possible?
Commissions can be enquired about over time. SumiFox coordinates such requests individually with the artist.
Do you ship worldwide?
No. We currently ship only within the EU, carefully packed in Berlin.
Who is 竹村千佳子 / Takemura Chikako?
竹村千佳子 / Takemura Chikako is a Japanese calligraphy artist, born in 1949 in Tottori Prefecture. Her works represent an expressive, abstract direction of calligraphy with strong ink traces, movement and open paper space.
Are the displayed Takemura works available for direct purchase?
Available originals with a price and an Add to cart button can be purchased directly. Works marked as reference pieces remain inquiry-only and are separate from the regular shop.
Who is 中川冨美代 / Nakagawa Fumiyo?
中川冨美代 / Nakagawa Fumiyo is a Japanese calligraphy artist. She began Shodo in elementary school and has been active for almost 30 years in the context of the more avant-garde-oriented 墨人会. Her works connect ink, movement, inner image and open paper space.
Are the displayed Nakagawa works available for direct purchase?
The currently displayed works are reference pieces showing style, format and working method. Inquiries about availability, smaller formats or related works can be sent through SumiFox.