INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY (SCHIFFER)

An introduction to the subtle, fascinating world of Japanese calligraphy with clear instructions and 148 photos throughout. After a summary of the art's history and the two systems of script that Japanese uses together: kanji, the ideogram-like characters borrowed from the Chinese language; and kana, the purely phonetic characters, the book shows the correct way to use the "four treasures of study" (brush, ink, inkstone, and paper), as well as seals and other tools. Readers can then begin learning to calligraph characters, words, and even poems using either a large brush or a small writing brush or try their hand at joined calligraphy, which is considered the soul of Japanese calligraphy. Finally, a gallery of works of calligraphy art by grand masters and other renowned experts offers even more inspiration.