Japanese Calligraphy - Κέντρο Ξένων Γλωσσών

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Japanese Calligraphy

The art of calligraphy (Shodo), which has its roots in China, is practiced in the Far East and Japan with the same passion as it was in ancient Greece. The most important writing styles are: Tensho (used for seals); Reisho (for official documents); Kaisho (for general use); Gyosho (where one ideogram could fall on top of another); and Sosho (where the brush is not lifted at all from the paper for a succession of ideograms). There are also many other styles like Edomoji, Sumimoji, Kanteiryu, Higemoji, etc., which are exclusive to Japan.

One of the most important things in Japanese calligraphy is the order of the individual lines on each ideogram (kanji) , the balance and the way one holds the brush, the writing speed and rhythm, as well as the thickness of the paper used, the type of ink, the width of the brush and the pressure applied on it, and even the position of the writer’s body. Another important thing one needs to be aware of is that Japanese calligraphy is the means by which one can acquire greater concentration and self-control. It is no coincidence that doctors and martial arts fighters (Tai Chi, Aikido), as well as fencing athletes, learn Japanese calligraphy in order to master absolute concentration and self-control, both mentally and physically.

If you have ever admired the beauty and complexity of Japanese ideograms (kanji) and wanted to learn this refined art yourself, the Siountri School now gives you the opportunity to do so. The courses are taught by a native teacher of Japanese calligraphy and can be followed not only by students studying Japanese at the Siountri School, but also by anyone who is interested in learning about this magnificent form of artistic writing.