The Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy [Hardcover]

Yoko Takenami (Author), Kakko Tsuruka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

Magnificent and plentiful images of finely wrought Japanese calligraphy teach the techniques and spiritual essence that underlie this ancient, elegant art.

In Japan, calligraphy is more than an art: it’s practically a religion, in which every stroke and every character should reflect the writer’s own spirit and personality. This lovely and illuminating introduction presents the wonders of Japanese calligraphy, and shows how to create the 3 basic sets of characters in use today: the Chinese kanji characters, which represent an entire word visually, and the 2 phonetic alphabets, hiagana and kakatana. Practical and detailed exercises demonstrate how to handle the brush; generously sized illustrations capture the characters’ every line and curve; and 15 beautiful paper, ceramic, and fabric projects provide dazzling examples of this uniquely Japanese craft. As your skills develop, decorate an Evening Fan with a short poem, draw a Four Seasons Hanging, make an Eternal Calendar with 12 sacred animals, adorn a lampshade, and many more exceptional items.
A Selection of the One Spirit Book Club.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402714394
• ISBN-13: 978-1402714399
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #807,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent blend of oriental contents and western application!, January 7, 2006

By 

F. Noda "Frank" (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book that brings life oriental cultures to western audiences by introducing not only the aesthetics but also practical applications of calligraphy. The book contains information and spirits that Japanese would want to communicate to the world in a persuasive way. Undoubtedly, there are many aspects of Japanese cultures that are under explained, partly because Japan has been closed to the world for a long time and its culture well preserved from the rest of the world. But this means there are not many Japanese who have enough international skills to fully explain what their culture and tradition are all about. In my opinion, the author has done a fantastic job doing just that explaining Japanese calligraphy together with its historical background as well as rich and deep cultural elements in a plain yet comprehensive language. In addition, it shows various applications for westerners who would want to try calligraphy. The profile of the author indicates she knows the ins and outs of Japanese culture and also well versed in western culture from her international experience which probably contributed to her writing and illustrating of such masterpiece. As a businessperson who sits between both oriental and western world, I can honestly say this book bridges the two worlds with full authenticity. Overall, the book is enlightening, entertaining, and artistic in its own right. The book is also good for value, and is surprising to come with a large sized hard cover full of wonderful pictures and illustrations - it itself can be a good interior to put on the bookshelf, even before mastering the skills and projects in the book!!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I knew it is not for me., December 30, 2007

By 

Mikko Tuohiniemi (Helsinki, Finland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy (Hardcover)

I already had the Chinese-calligraphy counterpart of this book. I just had to purchase this, too, even I did not expect much.

The book presents a brief history and the basic set of artist's equipment - two rating stars for that. The technique is also introduced but I recommend specialized texts instead. Only the dozens of pages concentrating on kana writing (both hiragana and katakana) were of some value as a model reference (thus +1 more star). Anyway, the project suggestions like seal carving or painting on a t-shirt are nonsense.

In general, this decorative book attracts one in a hurry to find a gift for someone else. I cannot recommend it for any other purpose. The same applies for "The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy" by Qu Lei Lei.

5.0 out of 5 stars Japanese Caligraphy Bood, December 5, 2010

By 

debcat - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy (Hardcover)

I was very happy with the book I purchased! Although I think I could have purchased it cheaper than what I bought it for. It will make my niece very happy as a gift, and goes great with the calligraphy set!