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Shodo
("the way of writing") is Japanese calligraphy.
Japanese
calligraphy is an art form that has been studied for over three
thousand years. It is a specialized art using a brush and black
ink to write kanji and Chinese characters.
Shodo
is written on Japanese paper (washi) using a bamboo and animal hair
brush called a fude. The ink, called sumi, is obtained from charcoal
and traditionally comes in sticks which must be rubbed with water
on an inkstone until the right consistency is achieved. Much cheaper,
pre-mixed bottled inks are now available, but these are used primarily
for practice as stick inks are considered higher quality and chemical
inks are more prone to bleeding over time, making them less suitable
for use in hanging scrolls. Learning to rub the ink is an essential
part of calligraphy study.
Traditionally,
Japanese calligraphy is
written only in black ink, but modern calligraphers sometimes use
other colours. Calligraphy teachers use a bright orange ink with
which they write practice characters for students and correct students'
work. Works of calligraphy are usually "signed" with the
artist's name and stamp, seal or "chop" in red ink.
Shodo
Equipment
A basic shodo kit contains a stone or ceramic inkstone (cheaper
inkstones are made of plastic), a selection of brushes, a piece
of black felt (shitajiki) which is placed under the writing paper,
paper weights and stick or bottled ink. The shitajiki is frequently
printed with registration marks in white (usually with four squares
on one side and six on the other); these are used as a guide to
ensure correct placement and size of the characters. Such printed
shitajiki are used only by students. Very long shitajiki are also
available; these are used when writing on special long paper.
Shodo Styles
Japanese calligraphy has
three basic styles: kaisho, gyousho, and sousho. In Kaisho, or "square
style," the strokes in the characters are precisely drawn in
a printed manner. Gyosho, or "semicursive," is written
faster and more loosely. Sosho, or "cursive," is a very
free, sweeping, more fluid method where the characters' strokes
can bend and curve.
History
of Shodo
The art of Shodo originated
in China and came to Japan in the sixth or seventh century, along
with methods for making brushes, ink, and paper. In those days,
calligraphy was an essential part of the education of members of
the ruling noble families. But as time went by, the art spread among
the common people as well.
Learning
Shodo
Shodo takes many years of dedicated practice. Correct stroke order,
proper balance and rhythm of characters are essential in calligraphy.
Skilled handling of the brush produces a pleasing balance of characters
on the paper, thick and thin lines, and heavy and light inking.
In general straight lines should be strong and clear, and curving
lines should be delicate and mobile. As well as the technique, many
Japanese characters must be learnt. Western calligraphy has twenty
six characters, however in Japanese calligraphy there is about 48,000
characters one may use (though this requires a lifetime of dedication).
Example
Calligraphy
On the right hand side are some examples of Japanese Calligraphy
painted by Calligraphy Artist Eri Kato. If you would like, you can
order your own hand painted, personalized
Japanese Calligraphy painting from Eri Kato.
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