Shodou ’The Art of Writing’ By Ella Rose

History of Shodou- Shodou is the Japanese word for Calligraphy, it’s translation meaning ‘the art of writing’. Like many other aspects of Japanese culture including Kanji, shodou originated from the Chinese writing system in the early 5th century.

What is Shodou? Shodou is the writing of kanji using brushes called Fludes, typically made out of bamboo and horse hair, and sumi, which is the traditional ink used in Japanese calligraphy.

How to make Sumi ink-

Shodou Set- Along with the fludes (brushes) and sumi (ink) you also use Shitajiki- a soft mat to rest your paper on Bunchin- a metal weight to hold down the paper Hanshi- Thin calligraphy paper Suzuri- The ink well that you make the sumi in

Shitajiki Bunchin Fludes Suzuri Sumi Hanshi would be placed here Also water which is used in the making of the sumi

Who practices Shodou? Most Japanese people, of all ages and status use shodou, and basic shodouis taught to all children in elementary schools around Japan.

Different styles of Shodou- Kaisho- Means ‘Correct Writing’ it is written with clear and precise strokes and looks very similar to computerised characters. Children are taught Kaisho as it is the most commonly seen shodou and is more familiar to them. KaishoComputerised

Gyousho- Means ‘Travelling Writing’ and is a much more relaxed, cursive style of stroke and people often use gyousho when taking notes. GyoushoComputerised

Sousho- Means ‘grass writing’. This style of shodou uses long strokes that barely leave the paper. Making this style a lot more abstract and almost impossible to recognise unless you are trained in this area of shodou. SoushoComputerised

Hanko/ Seals/ chops- Hanko also known as seals or chops are made out of wood and are used as a stamp. Instead of signing your artwork like most artists do. Japanese people use their personalised hanko to stamp their work. Almost every Japanese person owns a hanko and they are used on anything from letters or official documents to artwork.

More than just writing? Although Shodou translates to ‘the art of writing’ Japanese people often take shodou as a real art form as apposed to just writing. One difference between normal artists and calligraphers is that the calligraphers do not have the opportunity to go over their strokes. Once the stroke has been made you are not meant to alter the stroke at all, which makes the art very unique.

Some examples of shodou art-

References