In Japan in the 1970's, a calligrapher delicately writes a birthday message on his daughter's face. When she grows up, Nagiko remembers the event with much affection and excitement and begins a search for an ideal calligrapher-lover who will use her whole body as his personal paper. After much unfulfilled searching, she meets Jerome an English translator, who convinces her that she should be the pen not the paper. She should write on his body and he will deliver her manuscripts, on his skin, to a publisher. However, the plan works all too well and jealousy begins to rip through their passionate relationship with dramatic and devastating effect. The film, complete with an international music score, is visually hypnotic and truly an immense 'work of art'.