Chinese Characters of Virtue
Inspired by the calligraphy on Chinese ceremonial bronze vessel inscriptions of the Zhou Dynasty (1066 - 770 BC) which are known as 'small seal' and characterised by their rounded strokes, these four Chinese characters form the classic four character phrase 英明文武 - the four noble virtues of an upright person:
英 Ying Astute 明 Ming Understanding 文 Wen Cultured 武 Wu Assertive
The Chinese language being a compound script, further meanings can be derived when different characters are paired together:
英明 Ying + Ming = Brilliant 文明 Wen + Ming = Civilised 文武 Wen + Wu = Master of the Arts (cultural and martial arts)