Essential Materials for Shodō Calligraphy

Discover the basic tools and utensils you’ll need to start practicing the art of traditional Japanese writing

If you had to explain what shodō calligraphy is, you could start by saying that it is a form of artistic writing.

Calligrapher Rie Takeda (@rietakeda) describes it as the art of Japanese calligraphy, one of the country's oldest and deep-rooted traditions, which emerged in the 5th century.

To understand shodō, one must learn to connect their body, mind, and spirit using different techniques and advanced brushstrokes. Rie Takeda says that her teacher used to say that the "ink never lies," as it can capture your mood on paper. The artist, inspired by these words, went on to create her own very special shodō calligraphy method, which incorporates mindfulness.

The word shodō is written with two kanjis. Sho means “writing” or “calligraphy” and Do means “the way”, which symbolizes life, movement. Learning this discipline is a long journey during which one progresses little by little and discovers different styles of calligraphy.

What are the "Four Treasures of the Study"?

The Four Treasures of the Study are tools that are essential, not just because they are useful, but also for what they symbolize. Once you have them, you can start creating.

Materials for the art of shodō

Before you embark on your shodō journey, Rie will introduce you to the different materials used in this practice. She insists that you don't need to have all of them at first. Try to get your hands on the essentials and little by little, you'll acquire more materials.

Inkstick

Rectangular in shape and with a flat surface, an inkstick is made of the soot from burnt pinewood or oils. It can be reddish, gray, brownish, golden, or silver. Bear in mind that the quality of your ink stick will impact how your calligraphy turns out.

Inkstone

This is also called a suzuki. It’s best to choose one made of natural stone. To create ink, you rub the bar against the surface of the inkstone. The deeper area is used as an inkwell and the shallower area is known as the inkstone temple.

You can also find ceramic alternatives, however, these do not allow you to create ink by rubbing the ink stick. That's why Rie recommends opting for a classic stone option. This way you will fully experience the whole preparation process before you start writing. If you don't have one, you can use a plate or board along with liquid ink.

Brush

As you’ve probably guessed, there are lots of different types of brushes of varying lengths and sizes, and with different types of bristles. The most common are hard bristle brushes, made from horsehair, and soft hair brushes, made from goat hair.

It is also important that they have a bamboo handle. A beginner usually uses a stiff brush whilst more experienced individuals tend to prefer a soft brush as it allows them to create more expressive lines.

Paper

Warm and rough, it is made from vegetable fibers and roots. You will be using the smooth side. Prices will vary depending on the quality.

However, you can start practicing with a very standard paper, which is much more accessible.

More materials for Japanese calligraphy

If you feel yourself improving and becoming more confident with your shodō practice, you can start experimenting with the following utensils:

Liquid ink

This is Sumi ink, which is used in Japan. The best thing about this ink is that it keeps well.

Paperweight

These keep your paper in place. Most are nickel-plated, which stops them from rusting.

Many have a metal knob, which makes them easy to use.

Brush holder

Your standard brush holder can usually hold two brushes, however, there are lots of different options available.

The most important thing is that it keeps the tools away from the paper.

Water bowl

These will often be made of glass, ceramic, or porcelain. Then, you can pour water into your inkstone. A jug or a gravy boat will also work.

Table mat

This is placed between the paper and the table surface. It is used to absorb excess ink as well as preventing ink from staining the table.

Tray

This is where you will keep your tools. You can also use a box.

What types of shodō paper are there?

Don't worry if you don't know which paper to choose for your first exercises. Try several different types so you get to know their different qualities. You will choose a paper depending on which style of calligraphy you are working with. These are the main types:

- Kanji Shodoshi: for Kanji characters, which express words and concepts.
- Kana Shodoshi: paper for Kana-style calligraphy. Curiously, in Japanese, “Kana” means "syllabary." In this style, each character represents a syllable.
- Ryoushi: a colored paper for Kana-style calligraphy.
- Hososhi: a thicker calligraphy paper.
- Suibokugashi: a paper for painting with ink.
- Shoujoushi: a thicker paper for conventional use.
- Tanzaku: large-format paper for calligraphy.

Shodō styles

Thanks to its ancestral traditions, shodō uses over twelve calligraphy styles and various techniques that were developed as the Japanese language evolved. Other styles have been created by renowned calligraphers over the past 3000 years.

According to Rie Takeda, the three essential styles of Japanese calligraphy are kaisho (block), gyosho (semi-cursive), and sosho (cursive).

Kaisho style

This is one of the most basic types of Japanese calligraphy. Its form is strong, clear, and powerful, with a unified structure.

Gyosho style

This style was developed around 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. It avoids hard angles and straight lines, instead, using a smooth, rounded technique.

Sosho style

This style has a cursive finish and was created in the 3rd century as an abbreviated style to be used for writing fast.

It has a refined style when writing, and is considered to be the precursor of Hiragana, the syllables of the Japanese alphabet. To this day, it continues to greatly influence the country's calligraphy.

As the styles become more and more complicated, children will usually only learn the kaisho style.

One last piece of advice from our shodō calligraphy expert is to look in local art stores or book stores specializing in Japanese culture. Not only will you discover some fascinating material, but you will also get a deeper understanding of Japanese traditions.

Had you heard about shodō calligraphy before reading this post? As soon as you start practicing, you will be blown away by its beauty and amazed by how effectively you can use it to express emotion. Once you’re ready to try out combining calligraphy and painting, be inspired by Rie Takeda to start creating your own visual poems.

If you want to explore this discipline’s rich history and unique form, sign up for Shodo: Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy with Rie Takeda. Under her guidance, you will find inner peace while studying the philosophy and art of traditional Japanese writing.

English version by @eloiseedgington.

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