The number forty-seven, or ‘Shijuushichi’, transcends mere quantification in Japanese culture. It resonates with a legendary tale of unwavering loyalty and fierce determination.
The atmosphere of a Kanji character changes dramatically depending on the font style. A character that looks elegant in a brush style might look bold and modern in a different font.
Recommendation:
Since a tattoo is permanent, we strongly recommend comparing various font styles beyond what is shown here. Use our designs as a trusted reference for the correct structure, but feel free to explore different artistic variations to find the perfect match for your vision.
The Deep Meaning Behind 四十七
The expression ‘四十七’ (Shijuushichi), meaning forty-seven, is a direct numerical representation in Japanese. Each character, 四 (four), 十 (ten), and 七 (seven), combines to form the cardinal number, a fundamental element of language and quantification.
Beyond its literal numerical value, the number ’47’ holds immense cultural weight in Japan, primarily due to the legendary tale of the ‘Forty-seven Rōnin’ (四十七士, Shijūshichishi). This historical narrative of samurai exacting revenge for their lord’s honor epitomizes concepts of loyalty, sacrifice, and bushido, making ’47’ a symbol far beyond its numerical value in Japanese society.
Kanji Breakdown
The compound ‘四十七’ is composed of three distinct numerical characters, each with its own origins:
Meaning: Four. This character is an ideogram, traditionally depicted as four strokes or a box containing four items, visually representing the count of four.
Meaning: Ten. Believed to have originated as a pictogram of a needle or a bundle of ten sticks tied together, it has evolved to universally represent the number ten.
Meaning: Seven. A simple, cross-like character, its ancient forms are thought to have depicted a cut or a turn, eventually symbolizing the number seven.
Conclusion
The Kanji ‘四十七’ clearly denotes the number forty-seven, embodying a fundamental aspect of numerical systems. Its significance is magnified by the iconic story of the 47 Ronin, linking this simple number to profound themes of loyalty, honor, and endurance.
Choosing ‘四十七’ for a tattoo can be a subtle yet powerful homage to the virtues of the samurai, representing unwavering commitment and a connection to a pivotal piece of Japanese cultural heritage. Its clean lines and balanced composition make it an excellent choice for a clear, legible, and meaningful tattoo.
Comments