The Elegance of Japanese Calligraphy "Shodo"
Shodo is a traditional Japanese art form that pursues the beauty of writing Japanese characters, known as "kanji" and "kana," and has a history spanning over a thousand years to the present day.
Aristocratic period: 11th century
Shodo has spread throughout Japan, giving rise to various forms of Japanese literature that combine artistic qualities.
Samurai period: 16th century
For samurai, Shodo was an indispensable part of their education.
Even today, Shodo remains deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Japanese elementary school students learn Shodo at school.
Among foreign tourists visiting Japan, Shodo experience lessons are popular.
In Japan, every December, a single character symbolizing the events of the year is painted at a historic temple in Kyoto.
In Japan, a tradition of "Kakizome", where wishes are written in Shodo at the beginning of the year during New Year's, has taken root.
In Japan, when a child is born, their name is written in Shodo as a prayer for their healthy growth.
In Japan, when there is a change in emperor, a new era name is written in Shodo and announced by the government.
The reason Japanese people value the spirit of Shodo.
Shodo - Japanese calligraphy breathes life into each stroke, using brush and ink to express a multitude of emotions and beauties. It demands a meditative concentration akin to meditation, with the written piece often likened to a mirror reflecting the creator's soul.
The beauty of Shodo lies in its simplicity. By drawing lines of varying thickness and speed with ink on white paper, infinite expressions are born—a rhythm and movement akin to music and dance. Moreover, each character carries its own history and story, allowing the calligrapher to engage in a dialogue with the past.
Even in our digitally advancing age, traditional art forms like Shodo serve as more than just a pleasure in crafting beautiful characters. They elevate the spirit and aesthetics of the calligrapher, expressing the heartfelt emotions imbued within the artwork—a cherished culture that endures.
Our store “Interior Calligraphy” evolves the spirit of Shodo into an art form and delivers it to people around the world as interior decor. We aim to share universal human emotions of gratitude, love, trust, peace, courage, effort, courtesy, and dreams, wishing for everyone's happiness.