Since man has been putting words into written form, the artistry of writing has taken an important place in language. Calligraphy is the technique used to transform basic script into a beautiful piece of work to not only read, but by which to be entranced.

Each language and culture has multiple versions of their own script or font.  Japanese calligraphy, otherwise known as Shodo, epitomizes the beauty of the written word and romanticizes the job of a scribe. The Japanese script is distinctive, not only in the character, but also that it is written in a vertical manner.

Special ink and paper made of mulberry trees are staples when creating Shodo artwork. Sets of delicate brushes are used, and the practice of calligraphy is truly considered an art form in Japan.

Each image links to the original source page of the photographer or scribe.

Shodo Brushes

Japanese Ink

Japanese Calligrapher

Japanese Amongst Japanese

A Shrine’s Supporters

The Element of Water

Black Pine

Japanese Poster

Ippuku Dozo

Shodo Girl