Exploring the Art of Japanese Calligraphy

For centuries, Japanese calligraphy has been an important part of the country’s culture and art. As a form of written expression, this type of art requires careful consideration of characters and their arrangement, making it a highly meditative activity. From traditional scrolls and books to modern pieces of art and works of abstract expressionism, Japanese calligraphy is a truly beautiful art form with a rich history. But what is it about this special art that makes it so captivating?

Many believe that the real beauty in Japanese calligraphy is its process. The technique starts from a blank canvas, requiring the artist to be aware of each stroke of their brush as it touches the paper and slowly builds up the kanji character. As the artist works, their breathing, mood and technique all come together, forming a type of meditation. The brush strokes may start from one character to the next, from small to large, or from left to right, regardless, they all come together to create a unique artwork.

In most traditional Japanese calligraphy, there are three main rules that the artist should adhere to. The first is regularity, meaning that all character strokes should be of the same brush width, unless there are specific guidelines to the contrary. Secondly, accuracy is also important, as characters must be drawn within a particular proportion to look as neat and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Lastly, while following the rules of regularity and accuracy, balance must still be achieved in the overall composition of the artwork.

While some traditional pieces follow the structure of older texts, modern Japanese calligraphy often uses abstract shapes and strokes to bring the subject of the work to life. This type of artwork is often called abstract expressionism and is known for its free and creative nature, making it a popular form of artwork for those not wanting to conform to the more structured traditional styles.

But what is the history of Japanese calligraphy? It began in China between 4th and 7th centuries CE and slowly spread to Japan before becoming a popular form of culture and art in the Edo period (1603 to 1868). During this period, the Samurai class was keen to learn and practice the art and it became increasingly popular among prized writers and poets as a way to express their art.

In modern Japan, calligraphy lessons are often part of school curriculums and it is still revered as an important part of the culture. For those looking to learn more about the art, there are plenty of online tutorials available for free or for purchase, or even the option to take lessons from a qualified teacher. No matter how you choose to learn, one thing is for sure, there is a lot of beauty, tradition and skill encompassed in Japanese calligraphy.
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So why not take the time to explore the art of Japanese calligraphy? Whether you are looking to explore this art on your own or with a qualified teacher, you can determine what works best for you. Dive deep into the culture and technique of this beautiful practice and discover its power and beauty for yourself.
Daryan Shamkhali @ Unsplash