Virtue - Flexfit Cap

Wear a piece of Zen heritage. This embroidered FlexFit basecap features the single, forceful kanji 徳 (toku, meaning "virtue") taken from an original scroll by the Edo-period Zen master Hakuin Ekaku. The clean silhouette and tactile stitching make it an everyday companion, with a bit of depth to it.

The design

At the center is Hakuin’s calligraphy of the single character 徳, extracted from a larger calligraphic scroll, of which it is the focal point. The full inscription reads:

If you amass wealth for your children and grandchildren, they won’t be able to keep it. If you collect books for them, they won’t bother to read them. The wisest course is to quietly cultivate virtue in the spiritual domain. That kind of inheritance will bless your descendants for generations.

The bold strokes show classic zenga energy and Hakuin's masterful calligraphy skill. The embroidery reproduces the centuries old brushwork with surprising detail. 

The artist

Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) revitalized the Rinzai Zen tradition and is celebrated for zenga – spontaneous paintings and calligraphies made as direct expressions of insight. His brushwork is unmistakable: Vigorous, economical, and anchored in everyday teaching of Zen.

Why you’ll love it

• The design is a faithful reproduction of Hakuin Ekaku’s original 18th century calligraphy, not a modern imitation.
• The kanji is embroidered (stitched) in detail for a durable, textured finish. It carries meaning, quietly but powerfully. 徳 (toku) stands for virtue, integrity, and practiced character and the single character stands for the entirety of the text it was taken from (see above).
• Great for practice days – a thoughtful piece for budō practitioners (Aikidō, Kendō, Karate, Jūdō) and meditation enthusiasts.
• It is a considerate present for Japan lovers, artists, and anyone who values understated symbolism. 
• You can turn it into a collection: This motif is also available on a shirt featuring the full scroll inscription, for those who prefer the complete text, or just the kanji itself.