More than just a physical exercise, shodo is a mental practice of connecting the body and mind to ensure everything flows in harmony. History Of Shodo clerical script (隷書 reisho) ( pinyin: lìshū) The clerical script or scribe's script (reisho) is a very bold and commanding style of Chinese calligraphy; each of the strokes are greatly exaggerated at the beginning and end. It was most commonly used during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and the term reisho had many significant meanings but is now only known as one of the five styles of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. Because of its bold style, the reisho technique is now reserved for large text applications such as plaques, signboards, titles of works, etc. This was its main purpose in Japan as well until the Edo period (1603–1868) when it was regarded as a calligraphic art form. [2] [3]

Shodo is an enchanting artform that is beautiful to witness. As the Japanese people adopted it and made it their own, their cultural styles and techniques really shone through. Today, it is considered one of the most revered artforms within Japanese culture and is appreciated much like a valuable painting. Sosho, or ‘grass style’, is a cursive style of Japanese calligraphy that is thought to reflect wind blowing over grass. Sosho is the most abstract of the three approaches and is, therefore, the most difficult to read and understand. Since this style is so abstract, you cannot develop your sosho approach without mastering the kaisho approach first. Japanese Style Calligraphy Tools The two types of symbols you will find in Japanese calligraphy are called kanji symbols and kana symbols. If you prefer wider lines then make sure to apply pressure while writing as the tines would separate and the final result would be a clear calligraphy design. Complexity and Size of the Artwork: Intricate and larger calligraphy pieces often require more time and effort, resulting in higher prices compared to smaller and simpler works.The white-haired calligraphy brush is excellent for standard script, current and cursive script. The wolf’s hair calligraphy brush Sometimes, a word I write will be so warped and wonky that I feel like I’ve offended all Japanese and Chinese people on earth and in history. I can’t even write them a note to apologise – it would just cause more offence. Brush Pens are mostly used by professionals in calligraphy. The reason why most calligraphers choose to write with brush pens is due to its flexibility.

The Flex nibs have a round shape and consist of two tines. The tines split while writing or designing and the more they split the wider the lines would be. The mixed hair or combination brushes are a special category. They are used very much in sumi painting. These calligraphy brushes are made from different types of animal hair, and combine brown and white hairs. The stiff brown hairs from the inner core of the brush are used for their resilient quality, while the outer white hairs ensure the suppleness of the brush tip.Of the two indispensable tools, the brush is the genuinely irreplaceable one. While sumi ink is imperative to traditional shodo practice, it is possible to use other ink types, like india ink or watercolor, and get similar results. Again, not ideal, but possible. However, the brush, or Fude (筆) in Japanese, is absolutely essential, and substitution is not adequate. The Fude is the only tool that one cannot do some form of shodo without it. A regular western-style painting brush neither has the shape nor is made of the right materials to produce the correct line shapes required for shodo strokes. You need a proper Chinese style ink brush. In contemporary Japan, shodo is a popular class for elementary school and junior high school students. Many parents believe that having their children focus and sit still while practicing calligraphy will be beneficial. [16] In high school, calligraphy is one of the choices among art subjects, along with music or painting. It is also a popular high school club activity, particularly with the advent of performance calligraphy. [17] Some universities, such as University of Tsukuba, Tokyo Gakugei University and Fukuoka University of Education, have special departments of calligraphic study that emphasize teacher-training programs in calligraphy. Meanwhile, Italic nibs are firm and have a blunt edge tip. Most calligraphers use Italic nibs for writing Italic and Gothic styles. If you’re interested in Gothic calligraphy then make sure to get a calligraphy pen that has an Italic nib.