Calligraphy, a form of Japanese culture, is popular overseas due to its simple beauty. Although it is known to all Japanese people, when it comes to explaining in detail what calligraphy is, its origins, and the techniques used, there are surprisingly many things that people do not know.

Here we will explain the overview of calligraphy as a part of Japanese culture, as well as the basic gestures and style of calligraphy. By understanding the basic knowledge of calligraphy, you will be able to rediscover the beauty of calligraphy.

What is the traditional Japanese culture of calligraphy?

First, we will provide an overview of Japanese calligraphy.

What exactly is calligraphy?

Calligraphy is a method of expression in which one writes characters on paper using ink and a writing implement called a "brush," and conveys one's thoughts through the characters and style of calligraphy. Calligraphy is not just about writing characters, but is also a means of self-expression, so it can also be considered an art form.

Calligraphy requires the cultivation of concentration and the acquisition of the skill to write beautiful characters, and is therefore considered to be a form of mental training and self-cultivation.

As a precursor to calligraphy, students learn shuji at school, but the big difference between shuji and calligraphy is whether or not they incorporate self-expression. While the aim of shuji is to write beautiful, well-balanced characters using the correct stroke order, calligraphy also uses bold, unstructured characters. This is because the aim is to express power, delicacy, sadness, etc. through the written characters.

Calligraphy can be broadly divided into "kanji" and "kana," and if we include "kanji-kana mixed," which uses a mix of both, it can be broadly divided into three categories.

The origins of calligraphy

It is said that calligraphy originated in China and was brought to Japan from there. Calligraphy developed in China, which had a culture of Chinese characters, and was introduced to Japan in the 6th or 7th century, from the Asuka period to the Nara period, as a form of copying sutras along with Buddhism. Along with calligraphy, methods of making brushes and ink, and how to make paper, were also introduced.

Being able to write using a brush and ink was considered an important part of the education of the samurai and aristocrats of the time. As with many other cultures, arts, and entertainment, calligraphy was no longer limited to the samurai and aristocracy, but spread widely among the common people as time went on.

Most Japanese people have the opportunity to learn calligraphy through calligraphy classes or school lessons, which are the gateway to calligraphy. Calligraphy is also deeply rooted in the lives of modern Japanese people, as seen in the noshi used for ceremonial occasions, New Year's cards, and New Year's calligraphy.

Basic calligraphy movements

Next, we will explain the basic gestures in Japanese calligraphy.

How to sit

The basic way to sit when doing calligraphy is to sit in seiza position on a zabuton cushion. If you are not used to sitting in seiza position, or if you have back or joint pain and find it difficult, you can sit on a chair or use a support device for sitting in seiza position, but it is important not to sit at an angle to the desk.

Posture and brush holding

Just like when sitting, keep your back straight. Be careful not to slouch when writing or lean your hands on the desk at an angle.

When making ink by rubbing a stone, put a little water in the depression at the top of the stone and rub the ink gently. If you concentrate and rub the ink slowly for a while, the ink will gradually dissolve in the water and liquid ink will be produced.

Once the ink is ready, dip the brush into it. Use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to hold the brush in the middle. When writing with a pencil, you tilt the pencil slightly, but when writing with a brush, the brush is held upright. When writing, it is best to lightly press down on the paper with your non-dominant hand (the hand you use to write).

clothing

When practicing calligraphy, there is no specific clothing required, such as a "kendo uniform" or a "judo uniform," and you can generally write in any clothing you like. However, it is best to avoid wearing white or new clothes, as there is a risk of the ink splattering and getting dirty.

Clothing with puffy cuffs, fringed hems, or large openings like bell sleeves are not recommended as they may get soaked in the water. It is safest to practice calligraphy wearing black clothing or old clothes.

There are five main types of calligraphy styles for Kanji characters

Finally, let's take a look at five types of kanji fonts used in Japanese calligraphy.

Five brush-written kanji fonts

There are five styles of calligraphy for Kanji, as follows:

・Seal script: This is the character that is written on seals and passports held by people with Japanese nationality. The corners of angular kanji characters such as "田" (field) and "日" (day) are called "tensetsu" (folding), but in seal script these corners are characterized by being rounded and curved.

・Reisho: The characters on Japanese banknotes, such as "Bank of Japan Note" and "One Million Yen," are written in Reisho. This style of calligraphy was created after Tensho, and is characterized by flat strokes and strokes, but it is surprisingly rarely used in actual calligraphy.

・Kaisho: Kaisho is a style of calligraphy that was born after clerical script and is the foundation of calligraphy. It is the first style learned in calligraphy classes and is an important style for mastering calligraphy, as being able to write beautiful kaisho is a prerequisite for writing other styles or breaking down characters.

・Gyosho: Gyosho is also a style of calligraphy that originated from clerical script. It is characterized by a flowing style that is a slightly broken version of regular script, and the brush is written continuously without stopping, and some characters are omitted.

・Sosho (cursive writing): Sosho is a style of writing Japanese similar to English cursive writing. It can be written quickly, so the characters are even more cursive than semi-cursive writing. Since sosho is difficult to write and read without a certain level of knowledge, it is a style for advanced calligraphers.

Calligraphy beginners are recommended to start with regular script

When beginners to calligraphy learn calligraphy styles, it is a good idea to start with the regular script that is commonly used in everyday life, then the slightly more casual running script, and once they become accustomed to the casual style, practice the cursive script, which is more casual and abbreviated.

summary

Calligraphy has ancient origins, having been introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhism around the Nara period. Calligraphy involves using a brush and ink to express oneself through letters, and students learn the basic posture of sitting upright and holding the brush upright, as well as the five basic styles of calligraphy. It's also good to try practicing calligraphy from time to time as a form of spiritual training, even outside of ceremonial occasions and New Year's cards.

This article has been partially re-edited by KARUTA from an article originally published on "Nihongo Biyori."
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