Learn about Japanese aesthetics and the spirit of each stroke through Shodo, the Japanese art of calligraphy.
Shodo(Japanese traditional calligraphy) is one of the most deeply spiritual and aesthetic arts in traditional Japanese culture. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China and developed with the birth of Kanji characters. Kanji characters were originally created as hieroglyphs, and over the course of its long history have developed into tensho (a hieroglyphic writing style used in ancient China), reisho (a writing style with distinctive horizontal lines used in ancient Chinese official documents), kaisho (a well-formed writing style that forms the basis of today’s kanji) and gyosho (a writing style that is written in a slightly broken form of the standard script): The writing style has evolved into a variety of writing styles, such as kaisho (kaisho: a slightly broken version of kaisho, written in a flowing style), gyosho (gyosho: a simplified style that emphasises brush strokes and simplified writing for faster writing) and sosho (sosho). This Kanji culture was introduced to Japan around the 6th-7th centuries, and a unique Shodo culture eventually developed.
Shodo developed not simply as a writing technique, but as a spiritual discipline. In the Nara period (710-794), the calligraphy style of Wang Xizhi was introduced from China, and in the Heian period (794-1185), Japan’s own kana script was born, establishing the wayo no shofu (soft and flowing style of calligraphy based on Japan’s unique aesthetic sense). From the Kamakura period onwards, a Zen-influenced style of calligraphy emerged and calligraphy became a means of spiritual cultivation.
The essence of shodo lies in the ‘heart’ that is put into each stroke. When holding the brush, the calligrapher faces his or her inner self, calms the mind and regulates the breathing. At the moment when the ink is rubbed and the brush is lowered to the paper, all the nerves are concentrated on the brush tip and the writer’s heart and emotions reside in the characters. This series of movements can be described as ‘moving meditation’, and the spirit of the writer is reflected in the finished characters.
Shodo is also known as the art of hitofudegaki (writing without ever releasing the brush). Once you start writing, you cannot start over. Therefore, the emotions, physical condition and mental state of the artist at that moment are all reflected in his work. This attitude of ‘putting everything into the moment’ is also connected to the Japanese aesthetic wabi-sabi (Japanese sense of beauty in imperfection and impermanence) and ichigo-ichie (the idea of cherishing every moment of life). Instead of seeking perfection, we value the truth and beauty of the moment.
In the world of shodo, not only the shape and balance of the letters, but also the vigour of the lines, the pressure of the strokes and the use of space are imbued with meaning. They can be strong, supple, sometimes bold, sometimes delicate. Each stroke expresses an emotion or philosophy that transcends words and speaks directly to the viewer’s heart.
Today, shodo is attracting attention not only in Japan but all over the world. As interest in Japanese culture grows, the spirituality and artistry of shodo is gaining recognition, and many people are picking up a brush and becoming fascinated by the world of shodo. While the value of handwriting is being re-evaluated in the digital age, shodo calms people’s minds and provides valuable time to face oneself.
In this way, shodo is not just an art of writing, but a profound art that encompasses a person’s way of life and philosophy. The spirit of the Way, expressed through the brush, has transcended time and national borders and continues to touch the hearts of many people. Through shodo, you can explore your own inner world and feel its beauty.