Sir Koga Yoshitsune (Diamond)

Order of the Diamond (Concordia)
War of the Roses, 2011
Awarded May 29, 2011 (A.S. XLVI - 46)

I was really pleased to receive this particular assignment, even more-so after reading the words His Excellency, Baron Pierre wrote for this award (see below). The words are so very apt for Sir Yoshi and I remember feeling amazed that he hadn't already received this award.

Sir Yoshi is a quiet and simple man, his Japanese persona suits him precisely and I wanted to convey that in the work that was produced. I chose a design that was, to me, typically Japanese in nature - clean, precise, quiet and understated. I am very pleased with the result.

I did argue with myself for a couple of weeks whether I should actually try and produce this work in a Kanji script. In the end I decided against it as I wasn't confident of getting a true translation.

Sir Koga Yoshitsune (Diamond)

 Details:
Calligraphy & Illumination by Isabel Chamberlaine

Paper: 300 Series Bristol, Vellum, 100lb.
Materials: Black Sumi Ink, Windsor & Newton "Spectrum Red" Gouache.

Words by His Excellency, Baron Pierre de Tours 

The term “gentleman” is a term used to describe a man secure enough in his sense of self to need no external displays to support his place in the world and as such is free to be gentle without concern as to appear weak thereby. In addition, words like “honor” and “courtesy” are left unspoken for such a man finds the reality of honor and courtesy in his life so pervasive to be akin as water to a fish or air to a bird. Sir Koga Yoshitsune exemplifies the qualities of a gentleman steeped in honor and chivalry. In Court, in battle, in conversation, this gentleman always exhibits the most admirable trait of courtesy and he exhibits it to all. That Sir Koga Yoshitsune does represent My Barony, our Kingdom, and our Society most admirable and well, I find it seeming, proper, and just that he do be inducted into My Order of the Diamond on this twenty-ninth day of May, anno societatis forty-six at the XXXI anniversary of The War of the Roses held in the Barony of Concordia of the Snows in decision and witness of which do I set My hand.

Scroll ID: Isabel C XVII
 Completed May 18, 2011