Japanese calligraphy is called (書道) shodō, or is also called shūji (習字) and is a form of calligraphy, or artistic writing, of the Japanese language. Shodō means “the way of writing,” After the invention of Hiragana and Katakana, the Japanese unique alphabet, the distinctive Japanese writing system developed and calligraphers produced styles unique to Japan. The term shodō (書道) is of Chinese origin as it is widely used to describe the art of Chinese calligraphy. In shodō the emphasis is on the beauty and balance of the writing. Japanese calligraphy fuses poetry, literature, and painting by possessing rhythm, emotion, aesthetic, and spirituality in one unique art form. Flowing brush strokes are important because it is a form of painting. Japanese calligraphy is done with a bamboo brush and ink. (Sumi) ink is made from the soot of pine trees, walnuts, or other vegetable sources. Materials are mixed together to produce a substance with a velvet texture and deep colour. Traditionally, the substance is then dried and made into thin sticks. When an artist wants to use the ink, they rub it against a stone that has a smooth, flat surface. The process creates a fine powder to which they add water and mix well. The resulting ink is a deep jet black.
The styles of Shodō are: seal script (篆書 tensho); clerical script (隷書 reisho);
regular script (楷書 kaisho); semi-cursive (行書 gyōsho); cursive (草書 sōsho).
Tensho is the oldest style of writing and was developed before paper and ink
existed. It is referred to as “seal script” because it was used to make seals for
stamping impressions onto other materials and is still used on seals in Japan today.
Reisho formed as a more practical and efficient writing style. Known as “the scribe’s script,” this style of writing was achieved with ink on wood or bamboo strips and is still used on currency in Japan today.
Kaisho (“formal style”) is a block style of writing and is considered the foundation of other less formal styles, and as such, it is required to get a proper feel for the craft. Each stroke follows a rigid order, and the composition and proportions are carefully executed. Once Kaisho is understood, artists can move on to less formalized, more artistic styles.
Gyosho (“moving style”) which accurately describes the technique used within this style of calligraphy. Less formal and rigid than Kaisho, Gyosho is a semi-cursive script that focuses on motion and fluidity with less angular characters. The calligrapher’s brush does not leave the paper, and each stroke is intended to continue on to the next. Thus, it offers a more creative outlet for artists and is widely used as the everyday handwriting style amongst writers.
Gyosho (“moving style”) which accurately describes the technique used within this style of calligraphy. Less formal and rigid than Kaisho, Gyosho is a semi-cursive script that focuses on motion and fluidity with less angular characters. The calligrapher’s brush does not leave the paper, and each stroke is intended to continue on to the next. Thus, it offers a more creative outlet for artists and is widely used as the everyday handwriting style amongst writers.
Sosho is the most difficult type of calligraphy. This cursive style emulates the effect of the wind blowing grass, where characters flow into one another. Strokes are greatly modified, and sometimes even eliminated, to create a smooth sensation of writing. Sosho is used mostly in abstract works of art, especially Zen art, where it’s important to transmit energy throughout your work.
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