An Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy

The Japanese use two systems of writing: kanji, characters borrowed from Chinese that are ideograms, and kana, characters that are purely phonetic and that are written in two syllabries. This book invites the reader to try the subtle and fascinating discipline of Japanese calligraphy.

Discover the history and the ways to use the 'four treasures of calligraphy' (the brush, ink, ink stone and paper) as well as the seals and other tools. Learn to draw the characters, words and poems with thick and slender brushes in kana and a mix of kana and kanji. Try cursive writing, considered the soul of Japanese calligraphy.

This is more than an introduction to calligraphy - it shows the reader a practice that unites the quest for spirituality with the need for beauty.

Born in 1956 in Osaka, Yuuko Suzuki began studying calligraphy at the age of six with several renowned masters, including Nanboku Sumiyama. After her study at Universities in Tokyo and Paris she settled in Paris where she has been teaching since 1990. She is Professor of Japanese at the Maison de la Culture du Japon and at the Guimet Museum in Paris. She also arranges courses in Kyoto for her students in Paris.