What is Japanese Calligraphy?
Japanese calligraphy (書道, shodō: "the way of writing") is a revered art form practiced from a young age. Most Japanese children start learning calligraphy in elementary school, and many adults continue to enjoy it as a hobby (yes, it’s that fun!)
Don't dismiss the idea of learning Japanese calligraphy too soon! Read further to see how intriguing and surprisingly manageable this ancient art form can be with proper practice and the right tools. Stick around until the end to learn how to begin this unique hobby that will fulfill your artistic cravings and leisure time!
How Did Japanese Calligraphy Begin?
Celebrated as a fine art, Japanese calligraphy carries a rich legacy of writing traditions that date back centuries.
The art form is deeply esteemed in Japan, historical accounts suggest that a Korean scribe named Wani introduced the Chinese Confucian classics—such as the Analects, Great Learning, and Book of Mencius—to Japan around the late 4th century CE.
From the 7th century onward, cultural exchanges intensified as numerous Japanese scholars, particularly Buddhist monks, visited China while some Chinese scholars made their way to Japan.
This period also marked the introduction of Indian Buddhism to Japan through Korea and China, solidifying kanji's role in Japanese culture.
Over time, kanji became the official writing system of Japan, adding depth and beauty to Japanese calligraphy with each stroke and character.
Styles of Japanese Calligraphy
The journey through calligraphy begins with the block (kaisho) style, which is straightforward and ideal for beginners. As learners gain proficiency, they advance to the semi-cursive (gyosho) style.
The final and most challenging is the cursive (sosho) style, demanding significant dedication and practice to master.
Essential Tools for Japanese Calligraphy
In the art of Japanese calligraphy, mastering the characters of kana and kanji requires precise brushstrokes—vertical, horizontal, and diagonal.
Each stunning stroke is made possible by a set of must-have tools for any aspiring calligrapher.
First, there's the brush, or "fude," traditionally crafted from wood with bristles made from animal hair. This is the primary instrument used to express the fluid and dynamic motions of calligraphy.
Next, the inkstick, known as "sumi," is essential. When ground against an inkstone and mixed with water, it produces the deep, rich ink that defines calligraphy’s bold aesthetic.
The inkstone, or "suzuri," is used to dissolve sumi ink by adding distilled water and using a circular rubbing motion on the stone's upper part, allowing the ink to flow into the basin where it can be picked up by the brush or nib.
Lastly, the paper, referred to as "washi," is traditional Japanese paper made from the long inner fibers of three plants and has been a staple in the daily lives of the Japanese since ancient times. These papers are specially made to handle wet ink without tearing, ensuring smooth, perfect strokes.
Together, these tools facilitate the creation of beautiful characters and also connect the calligrapher to centuries of artistic tradition—reasons many take up this hobby to refresh their souls!
Start Your Japanese Calligraphy Journey Today!
Learning Japanese calligraphy is a delightful journey filled with the pleasure of learning ancient skills and applying them on paper. You'll find joy in progressing through each level of complexity until it feels as natural as breathing and becomes a consistently fun activity.
Getting the basic tools is halfway to starting. Don't worry, getting your hands (literally!) on an authentic calligraphy set from a Japanese local shop no longer requires a trip to Japan—you can find them readily on the massive online platform: ZenPlus.
Japanese Calligraphy set featured on ZenPlus
With almost a decade of experience in connecting global shoppers to genuine Japanese items, ZenPlus serves as a giant hub where you can find a staggering selection of 5+ million Japan-made products listed by over 3,000 local retailers across the country.
Among these offerings, you'll find authentic, Japan-made calligraphy sets offered by local shops right in the heart of Japan, ensuring you get the real deal. These sets are basically everything you need to kick off your enjoyable calligraphy experience—the Japanese way!
Japanese Calligraphy set featured on ZenPlus
And here's the best part: you can add these calligraphy sets, along with practically anything else you need from Japan, to your shopping cart and have everything quickly delivered right to your comfy home!
Once you've gathered your materials,begin by practicing simple strokes, gradually working your way up to more complex characters. Pay attention to the flow and pressure of each stroke—this is where your style will start to emerge.
Study works by esteemed calligraphers to gain inspiration and understand different styles. With regular practice, patience, and a bit of creativity, you'll begin to see your skills flourish, connecting you to an age-old art that’s both meditative and expressive!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
