Calligraphy is based on a typographic writing system, referring to Kanji, which is an ideogram, and in the case of Japanese calligraphy also on syllabaries (currently there are two: Hiragana and Katakana, although in the past there were more). There is also an exceptional syllabary in the Chinese language called Nushu 女書 ("female writing"), although it is not used in classical calligraphy. However, due to its unique character, Nushu can sometimes be included in the group of calligraphy styles.
What is calligraphy?
What is calligraphy?
The etymology of the word “calligraphy” is Greek, and is derived from κάλλος kallos “beauty” and γραφή graphe “writing”. However, in some ways, this is a very unfortunate translation when it comes to calligraphy based on the Chinese writing system (known as Kanji, 漢字, i.e. characters or letters of the Chinese Han Dynasty). The difference between Eastern and Western arts in writing is as significant as that between the Earth and the Sun, and yet the historical and theoretical information available, whether in books or on websites, is somewhat misleading or erroneous.
For this reason, Chinese or Japanese calligraphy is poorly understood and its fascinating secrets remain hidden to those who do not have access to texts written in Kanji. Far Eastern calligraphy is an art within art, a way of life, and a path to immortality. Just as love fills the heart, calligraphy fills our souls, nurturing a new sense of life that is born of selflessness, the absence of pride in the fertile soil of a pure mind.
Calligraphy in Japanese is read: Shodo 書道 (i.e. “the way of writing”), when in China it is Shufa 書法 (i.e. “the method of writing”). The word Shodo is composed of two characters; “Sho” 書 (to write) and “Do” 道 (way), so it suggests that calligraphy is a way of being through writing, a path that is not chosen as an art or an enterprise, a feeling of well-being. Sho matures with us, becoming richer and fuller each time. The experience of our life adds much flavor to the work itself. So, Sho cannot be learned, it must be experienced, it cannot be rushed, but must be earned.
Unlike Western characters, a single character (Kanji) can represent a word, a phrase, a scene, a mood, and also be a poem and a painting all in one. This cannot be achieved through the Latin alphabet or painting. For example, a Japanese phrase “Matsukaze” 松風 composed of the only two characters: “Pine” (松) and “Wind” (風), would be translated as: “the sound of the wind roaming through the tops of the pine trees”. Looking at the labyrinth of spiritually enchanted black lines, one suddenly feels the cool breeze, and the humming of the air against the green leaves. Admiring a work of calligraphy can have a mesmerizing effect. The Western art of visual writing (known as “calligraphy”, i.e. the art of beautiful writing) is more than a craft, where the idea of Sho often refers to “pictures of the heart” or “painting of the soul”. It conveys the emotions, passion and vision of the creator. The feeling caused by a passionate Shodo can be compared to looking deeply into someone’s eyes. Shodo catches the flow of cosmic energy within the lines. Performing this type of work in our homes, makes us feel like a person who is in a position to feel the energy of the world. You always sow some harmony and allow a positive aura of simplicity to emanate. Admiring calligraphy is like a form of meditation, and it has proven to be the most effective way to promote longevity, surpassing any other Eastern discipline. Most calligraphy masters enjoy a long and healthy life. Sho is a unique phenomenon in the artistic world. It is a true wonder and is treated with great respect in the Far East. In China and Japan there are special shrines called SEKIJIRO 惜字炉 where paper written with calligraphy is burned. No one dares to throw the works into the trash or step on them. In Japan, calligraphers take their brushes to be buried at Buddhist or Shinto shrines, as if they were beloved friends or relatives who have died. Shodo is considered a sacred vessel filled with ancient knowledge, a form of eternal energy capable of outliving its creator, the human mind. * Text by Ponte Ryuurui provided to Shodo Creativo, translated from English to Spanish by Elena Hikari