Japanese Calligraphy Art: Shodo

Shodo (書道, writing path) is the art of Japanese calligraphy that uses a brush to paint individual characters, words or short poems. Most Japanese have studied shodo in school and have one. appreciation for this art.

This art is produced by writing with sumi (black ink) and a brush, on paper, using Japanese or Chinese characters. The art of calligraphy is considered a metaphor for life itself, so strong brushstrokes are alternated with more delicate ones, the effect varying according to speed, ink color, pressure on the paper, the interval between strokes and the material used.

Shodo - a form of Japanese calligraphy

The art of writing emerged in China more than 3,000 years ago in about 1,300 BC during the Yin Dynasty. It was introduced to Japan at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and has been advancing throughout the history of Japan.

The Hiragana was created thanks to the art of   Shodo. Os Kanji deformed by the artist of the brush gave rise to more rounded and simpler forms, which inspired the creators of the Hiragana.

Shodo in modern times

nowadays the Shodo is still quite valued,   some dedicate their entire lives in this art, there are various competitions of all ages to value art. People around the world have aroused interest in the art of Shodo.

The first Japanese immigrants to come to Brazil in 1908 had already brought the art of Shodo. In addition, it was common to bring in their luggage, copies of calligraphic art designed by artists, to decorate the walls of the new house. In the year 1975, Shodo gained great momentum in Brazil, with the "Exhibition of Modern Calligraphic Art of Japan".

Shodo - a form of Japanese calligraphy

calligrapher's life

It may seem like something simple, but it requires concentration, the person has to be inspired and must have practice, some are put into intense training since childhood.

The life of a calligrapher is not so simple. It is not simply writing letters on paper, the materials for practicing traditional shodo are expensive, most of the time stores prefer to print a scanned shodo, and even some professionals save money using ink and cheap paper.

In addition to writing and participating in championships, a calligrapher usually gives   classes, also works with banners,   posters and plaques for various purposes, as long as there is a need or preference for handwriting as in some festivals, traditional events and typical lodges. So a shodo practitioner survives.

Just like a painter, Shodo's master's goal is to provoke sensations and feelings in the people who see his works. Like any artist, the great challenge of the oriental calligrapher is not just to master the technique and the rules, but to be able to go beyond them and develop a style of his own. &Nbsp; To learn more about the life of a shodo artist   anime   Barakamon.

Shodo Principles and Techniques

Shodo - a form of Japanese calligraphy

Tensho (Seal Script) - It is the most primitive and archaic writing style, from which all others originated.

Reisho 隷書 - Clerical writing - It is a simplification of Tensho.

Kaisho refers to the standard script in Chinese calligraphy, known for its formal and regular style. Straight lines. Its shape is more square and its lines are straight, firm and precise.

This text appears to be in Japanese, and the word "Gyosho" (行書) refers to a style of Japanese calligraphy known as "semi-cursive script" in English. Semi italics. They are written quickly and with smooth, rounded lines and semi-sequential strokes.

Sosho (草書) - cursive, Italic. Also called grass writing. The writing is done impetuously, quickly and sequentially.

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Shodo tools

In shodo, a large number of tools are used to make the art of writing.

Shodo - a form of Japanese calligraphy

Suzuri - inkwell) -   Utensil used to condition the ink. They are made of stone and also have a concavity where a small amount of water is left, which will be used to dilute the ink stick.

Fude (筆 - brush) - There are several types, sizes and thicknesses. The ends are varied and the hairs used are sheep, mutton, badger and others.

Sumi - ink cane) -   Charcoal-based ink. It can be in solid form, being necessary to be diluted in water and liquid, ready for use. However, traditional art recommends using the solid, as the preparation and dilution of the ink is seen as a time of concentration, where the artist seeks inspiration to compose the art. The older the better, the better they are 50 to 100 years old.

Bunchin (文鎮 - paperweight) - Helps keep the paper still to facilitate the artist, preventing possible mistakes if the paper moves, usually it is made of iron or ceramic.

Shitajiki (下敷き - cloth) -   To place under the paper to prevent ink from leaking and soaking the place. &Nbsp; (can be replaced by newspaper)

Washi - rice paper) -   It is a special paper, made with the fibers of rice, bamboo or banana leaves. It is handmade and does not use chemical components. This makes its durability extremely superior to ordinary paper.

Some usually stamp their works with a japanese stamp.

Online Shodo Course - Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy

Learn the history, techniques and details of Japanese calligraphy Shodo with this online course from Domestika taught by Rie Takeda.

In this course you will learn Shodo, Mushin Mind, Shodo Styles and Techniques, Utensils and Materials Used in Shodo, Basic Brush Strokes, Basic Strokes, Creating a Shodo Piece and Creating a Stamp.

To find out more details and enroll in this Japanese calligraphy course, simply access the button below and see all the details:

Shodo Making Products

See below where to buy some of the materials used in the Shodo:

Videos about Shodo

Want to understand a little more about the art of shodo? To close we leave some   videos below:

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