When anyone talks about calligraphy, there is no way that Japanese calligraphy can be left out. The Japanese calligraphy is among the most interesting and admired artistic writing expressions, especially in the Japanese culture. Also, Japanese calligraphy is popularly known as “Shodo”, which refers to the meaning – ‘the way of writing’.
However, many of us already know that calligraphy writing originates from China and so it was brought to Japan by the Chinese. The calligraphy writing then further evolved in Japan according to their customs and practiced by samurai and other ordinary people since then. But as I will tell you, Shodo is much more than that – and our Reddit friends agree!
Let’s Get Into the Quick History
During the Han Dynasty, Shodo emerged from China and many basic forms of calligraphy were already evolved by 220 AD. However, the Chinese introduced calligraphy in Japan during the 6th century AD as a means of communication between the two countries, so that relations could become stronger between them.
Further, during the Qin Dynasty, calligraphy was first developed by Li Si in China, who was China’s prime minister at that time. When this writing technique arrived in Japan, it evolved according to the already spoken languages in Japan and started to be known as Kanji. In the modern-day era, Japanese calligraphy styles and techniques are taught to children in their classes and have become quite a popular skill to learn.
Purpose of Japanese Calligraphy
Moving on, there are numerous purposes of Japanese calligraphy that you can find in Japan. Along with being an innovative art form, it is also popular for being a means of communication and a Zen practice as well that induces wisdom and peace. And do you know what’s the prominent part of Shodo that it’s passed down from generations while marinating balance and beauty in its original art form? By using smooth brushstrokes for writing, this activity provides you with another set of artistic skills and also works as a meditative therapy for many people that helps them relax and progress.
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Writing Styles of Shodo
Since its origination in Japan, various writing forms of Shodo came into the trend, and year by year, this technique has been modified drastically. The best part of calligraphy writing is that every professional calligrapher uses their own expressions to define a unique styling. However, the three main popular styles of Shodo that are renowned in modern times include Gyosho, Kaisho, and Sosho. Further, Reisho and Tensho are the traditional calligraphy forms of Shodo.
Essential Tools for Learning Shodo
Another fact that makes Japanese calligraphy even more exciting and expressive is the tools and techniques that are used in Shodo. However, the main jewels of Shodo that always stay with an expert calligrapher include ink (sumi), brush (fude), mulberry paper (washi), and inkstone (suzuri). Further, the techniques used to learn it – are basic and mandatory to learn before starting with calligraphy such as learning the ways to hold brush pens, using brush strokes, and choices of paper.
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team