What is Japanese Calligraphy? Let’s answer that question with another question, what is calligraphy? Calligraphy is a visual art, or styles of writing, that beautifies lettering, expressed by the strokes of a brush (or calligraphy pen). The roots of calligraphy, specifically Chinese calligraphy, dates back to around the twenty-eighth century BCE (Before Common Era). It wasn’t until around 600 CE (Common Era) that calligraphy was introduced to Japan. The basic tools for all calligraphy (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, ect.) are essentially the same. The first tool is a pen or brush, the second is ink, third is the inkstone, and fourth is paper. Styles vary from place to place, for example, Japan has its own styles, Kaisho, Sosho, and Gyosho. The technique for calligraphy all depends on what type of tool is used (large brush, small brush, water density, ect), and also the order of the stroke. To answer the first question, Japanese calligraphy is just a branch of calligraphy, focusing on Japanese symbols (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji). [Click 'Japanese Calligraphy History', for more information about how Japanese calligraphy grew throughout time.] Lastly, shodo, which is what Japanese calligraphy is called in Japan, literally translates to “the way of writing.”
For more information, please check out the following topics below!
Japanese Calligraphy: History
Japanese Calligraphy: Styles
Japanese Calligraphy: Tools
Japanese Calligraphy: Books
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Something vital we missed? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! We don’t want to add too much though, keeping it simple is our way. Thanks for reading! I hope you gained some insight on how Japanese calligraphy developed throughout time.
It all began in the 5th century C.E. What occurred during this time period? That is approximately when Kanji (Chinese characters) was fully imported into Japan. By the 6th century, there were about 50,000 Kanji and 5 major styles of calligraphy, though only 3 are mainly used today. There are also a number of other styles that are not widely used, but do exist.
5 Major Styles: Tensho, Reisho, Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho.
Japanese calligraphy and Chinese calligraphy are very much alike, since Japanese calligraphy derived from Chinese calligraphy after all! The technique and tools are essentially the same. The styles do differ quite a bit, such as Japan’s own character system. Kana (Hiragana and Katakana).
Four Treasures: Ink, Ink Stone, Brush, Paper.
During Japan’s golden age, the Heian period, a new style of calligraphy was created, a style that made Japanese calligraphy unique. It was first used in a Tanka (poem) written back in 749 C.E. Though, it wasn’t until later that the official Japanese way of calligraphy was founded, known as wayo. Wayo was practiced as a Japanese art form until the mid 19th century. The founders were known as the Sanseki, which translates to “three brush traces.” The three were known as: Ono no Michikaze, Fujiwara no Yukinari, and Fujiwara no Sukemasa. Michikaze served as an archetype for a Buddist temple in Kyoto, called the Shoren-in, and through this he developed another style of Japanese calligraphy, Oie. It was used for official documents during the Edo period of Japan. Yukinari (known as the master of kana) founded Sensoji (Buddist Temple) calligraphy, which later became the leading style of wayo. Sukemasa, actually wasn’t as socialable as the two in my opinion, due to there being a lack of information on him.
Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun in 1603, and was in power until his death in 1616. This marked the beginning of the Edo era (my favorite!), which was a time of stability for Japan and lasted 250 years. Calligraphy was limited to a style called karayo during this time. The Daishi school of Japanese calligraphy focused on the study of the “eight principles of the character yong” and the and 72 types of “brush energy.” In 1664, a book was made based on these principles, which furthered the development of Japanese calligraphy. Hosoi Kotaku, a calligrapher, further advanced the style of karayo with the principles as a guideline.
Hon’ami Koetsu, Konoe Nobutada, and Shokado Shojo; those three were known as the three Kan’ei Sanpitsu. Koetsu painted a backdrop of decorative and floral patterns, along with his calligraphy provided a poetic essence. Because of this unique Japanese calligraphy, he is considered one of the greatest calligraphers using the wayo style of calligraphy. Nobutada’s role in art has been highly overlooked due to his aristocracy, though he was a poet, calligrapher, painter and diarist. Shojo dedicated himself to calligraphy, painting, poetry, and the tea ceremony, which he later became a master of. In 1627 he became head of a small temple, later retiring and living on the temple’s estate. The end of the Edo period meant that karayo wasn’t the only style mainly focused on, and studies turned to the basics, the main three: Kaisho, Gyosho, and Sosho.
In modern times, in Japan, Japanese calligraphy is an elementary school subject, and in high school, an elective. Some colleges in Japan do have Japanese calligraphy departments though. Western artist have also been influenced by Japanese calligraphy, and studied it as well as worked on their own art of course! Today, Japanese calligraphy is probably so popular due to the usage of Kanji for home decor and tattoos.
On a final note, there are still people considered masters of Japanese calligraphy and there is even a society known as Bokuteki-kai for such calligraphers. This society focuses on training professional calligraphers. The better you are, the higher you rank, and eventually you’ll become a teacher in the art of Japanese calligraphy.
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Something vital we missed? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! We don’t want to add too much though, keeping it simple is our way. Thanks for reading! I hope you gained some insight on how Japanese calligraphy developed throughout time.
Kaisho is the most basic style of Japanese calligraphy, and is usually studied first among new learners of Japanese calligraphy.It is known as the standard or regular style and is the most popular due to how easy it is to read, especially to foreigners who are not familiar with Kana. Kaisho has a rectangular shape, making it easier for students to learn brush strokes. It can take years for one to master Kaisho, but without the basics you cannot further develop, so it’s best to focus on Kaisho until you’re comfortable with it. It is said that Kaisho was created by Zhong Yao, a minister during the years 220 to 265 C.E.
Gyosho is next in line, the second of the main three styles of Japanese calligraphy. It is known as the semi-cursive style. It has a softer shape to it, not too curvy, but also not rectangular like Kaisho, and is much easier to read and write. Once Kaisho is mastered, Gyosho is what you would move onto next. Sosho is a completely different take on Japanese calligraphy, though it will be a bit easier than Kaisho since you have studied the strokes and characters after all. It is said that Gyosho was created by Liu Desheng, a calligrapher during the years 29 B.C. to 219 C.E.
The final of the three styles of Japanese calligraphy is Sosho. Sosho is on an entirely different level than the previous two. Those who have mastered Kaisho and Gyosho may even have some difficulty with this one! Learning another styles called reisho is helpful. Sosho is known as the cursive style, as you would probably guess by looking at it. Sosho was originally thought up of as a faster styles of writing, which once mastered, essentially is. When one is performing a sosho work, it is best not to be distracted, as it can be easily seen as to where your rhythm was disrupted! Like cursive writing (remember learning that in third grade?), it is better not to lift the tip of the brush when writing, as it’s obvious where you lifted!
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Something vital we missed? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! We don’t want to add too much though, keeping it simple is our way. Thanks for reading! I hope you gained some insight on how Japanese calligraphy developed throughout time.
The Four Treasures of Japanese calligraphy. This is the name for the basic tools needed. Which are: Brush, Ink Stone, Ink, and Paper.
The brush (fude) is the tool of choice when it comes to Japanese calligraphy! A tool used for both drawing and writing in ancient Japan. Although other materials are used occasionally, a traditional brush is made up of bamboo body with a head of animal hair. A brush is used over a pen or pencil simply because it is softer. Strokes with the brush are more suitable for the style of Japanese characters. Today, you can buy Japanese calligraphy pens though! A brush is still preferred, but the specialized pen isn’t too bad, especially if it’s just a side hobby. The ink stone (suzuri) is a tool used for ink grinding. It is not only made out of stone however, it may also be created from ceramic or clay. This tool is used to grind an ink stick into liquid ink. Ink (sumi), well the ink stick, is made up of soot. In modern times, ink can be bought in bottles, but it is not as durable as ink from an ink stick, very low quality. This ink is used by the brush on paper (kami). Actually a specific paper called Washi, which is soft. Suitable for a brush! This paper can be made up from several materials, such as bamboo, rice, or wheat. Paperweights are a good idea to hold it steady while you work.
Whether you choose to use the Four Treasures of Japanese calligraphy, or a calligraphy pen and paper, is all up to you! Just practice and enjoy creating calligraphy!
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If you are interested, there are three books which may interest you! As they are very helpful and informative! (I love them!)
WHAT BOOKS?!
(You can click that)
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Something vital we missed? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! We don’t want to add too much though, keeping it simple is our way. Thanks for reading! I hope you gained some insight on how Japanese calligraphy developed throughout time.
(Click Book Cover for Book)
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Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy
“In Japan, calligraphy is more than an art: it’s practically a religion, in which every stroke and every character should reflect the writer’s own spirit and personality. This lovely and illuminating introduction presents the wonders of Japanese calligraphy, and shows how to create the 3 basic sets of characters in use today: the Chinese kanji characters, which represent an entire word visually, and the 2 phonetic alphabets, hiagana and kakatana. Practical and detailed exercises demonstrate how to handle the brush; generously sized illustrations capture the characters’ every line and curve; and 15 beautiful paper, ceramic, and fabric projects provide dazzling examples of this uniquely Japanese craft. As your skills develop, decorate an Evening Fan with a short poem, draw a Four Seasons Hanging, make an Eternal Calendar with 12 sacred animals, adorn a lampshade, and many more exceptional items.”
This book is great to those who are starting out! Especially if your focus is on Japanese calligraphy! As it says, it will teach you the basics and gives you project ideas!
If you want a more in depth guide to calligraphy in general, then you might like:
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The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Calligraphy
“Calligraphy, that beautiful script lettering that seems like art, has increased in popularity over the last several years. From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, calligraphy books and classes are hot! Whether you want to address thank you notes, or are interested in the latest craze— Japanese Calligraphy— The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Calligraphy is the fun and easy-to-use resource. Featuring an oversize, lay-flat format with space for practicing and copying, this book offers the best advice in techniques, equipment and style and contains 6 full calligraphy fonts and 10 specific projects.”
No, you do not have to be an idiot to read this book! I love these books, as well as the ‘For Dummies’ series! Very informative and helpful! If you are one who doesn’t like the styles of these types of books (I have a friend who said that), then I reccommend the first!
If you want to learn the basic techniques for writing Kanji then the book for you would be:
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Brush Writing: Calligraphy Techniques for Beginners
“For many a deep and lasting interest in Japanese culture, its people and its language, begins with a fascination for beautifully drawn characters produced by a master calligrapher. Compared with the squarish, regular representation of Chinese characters reproduced in books, newspapers, and magazines by modern printing techniques, the appealing brush strokes of a handwritten Japanese scroll, letter, or menu is often considered a work of art, and associated with the aesthetic and mystical. Brush Writing is dedicated to such enthusiasts of Japanese calligraphy who have searched for a basic and introductory guide in English to this traditional and challenging Eastern art.
Any learner of Japanese will almost certainly find this book an invaluable aid to writing kanji, a subject that is rarely dealt with. adequately in language textbooks, as well as providing fundamental clues to decipher handwritten Japanese. Through nearly fifty model characters, Brush Writing teaches the basic techniques of writing almost any kanji. For each character, we have clearly shown the correct stroke order, major readings in romanized Japanese, and meanings in English. Advice on balance and other practical tips on writing kanji have also been included. Equally important to all non-native learners of Japanese, this book explains the secret of writing attractive hiragana, the key, in fact, to ensuring that handwritten Japanese is clearly legible and leaving the impression that it was penned by an adult Japanese hand.
But it does not end there. Brush Writing is more than a kanji guide for students of the Japanese language. After working through the systematic instructions carefully explained in this volume, anyone, with an appreciation of the beauty and art of quality brush work, should find little difficulty in creating fine calligraphy of their very own, even if the meanings of the shapes themselves remain a mystery. This volume begins with a comprehensive, but brief introduction to the history of Chinese and Japanese characters to satisfy the curiosity of the enthusiast. For novice calligraphers, not only have we explained how to use the necessary materials and equipment, such as brushes, paper, and sumi ink, but we have also appended a list of stores selling calligraphic supplies throughout the United States.
For Japanese language students and aspiring calligraphers alike, Brush Writing is the perfect introduction to the art and technique of shodo, Japanese calligraphy.”
This is the best when it comes to learning stroke order for Kanji! And believe me, memorizing all of those strokes will be confusing at first! But practice makes perfect! Well actually practice will get you from Kaisho to Gyosho, then to Sosho, then to perfect!
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One last thing, if you are interested in a calligraphy set, I recommend THIS one, as it only has on bad review! But you can search throughout the site.
I hope one of these amazing books help you out with your calligraphy! Good luck! And have fun!
