Japanese / Chinese Calligraphy

[Ink Sandwich]

I want to get started in Japanese calligraphy, so I've decided that I want to buy myself some material for Christmas. I know some Japanese, so it's not about learning how to write letters / stroke order and stuff. My main problem is that there seems to be a host of materials to choose from and I just don't know where to start from.

 

Specifically, my questions are:

 

- What brush / brushes should I get?

 

That seems by far to be the most important one. What are good brands? What is a good size for a brush (and how are brush sizes measured?) What are the differences between Japanese and Chinese brushes? (I've heard that Chinese brushes tend to be softer.) My writing tends to be on the small side, and I think I would prefer smaller brushes.

 

- Would you recommend buying ink stick and stone to mix your own ink, or is ready made ink in bottles sufficient? (I've read that grinding ink is an art all to itself.)

 

- Should I get special paper, or will normal paper be sufficient?

 

These are the most important questions that come to mind right now. I'd be very grateful for every reply

 

 

 

[Randal6393]

I haven't noticed any difference between Japanese and Chinese brushes -- seem to work out about the same for me. And copy paper works well for learning, practicing, and general work. So I would just go with what was easily available.

 

Ink? A good sumi ink in a bottle will save a lot of time. After working it for a while, trying an ink or two, and finding what works for you -- then is the time to grab the ink stone and grind your own. No, it doesn't take all that much to grind ink, mostly patience and practice. But it does take time and effort away from time spent learning. So I tend to use ink sticks only for a special project. Much as I reserve the iron-gall ink for projects in Roundhand, not practice.

 

Best of luck to you,

[panpan]

Hi Ink,

 

You've chosen a really difficult hobby but a rewarding one

 

If you haven't, you might want to go to youtube for various videos just to see what people do. Without a teacher, unless you know Chinese and/or have access to the various styles of calligraphy then you will have a difficult time.

 

As far as brushes.... there are so many to choose from: lengths, bristle types and combinations, thicknesses... and then there is the paper.... as equally important for different bristle types.

 

Lastly, the ink. you might not want to use an ink stick yet (though some would disagree). If you use an ink, stick you'll need to know what kind of consistency you need for your brushing and that may be difficult unless someone can show you.

 

At some point you'll hear about the 4 treasures: ink, brush, paper, and ink stone. They all influence each other and there really is no good way to tell you what you should start with.

 

However, you can search "blue heron arts" for some information and to see what is out there for materials (the four treasures).

 

In short, it will take experience and just practice. There are the practice pads that you can just dip the brush in water and then paint on a reusable pad. Blue Heron Arts has them. Though you might prefer small brushes working with a bigger brush will train your muscles and eventually your brushing will be much improved.

 

If this doesn't help let me know. I can point you to more specific things or information if you have more specific questions (what kind of calligraphy style do you want to do, traditional characters or all Japanese, is it just for you?, etc...)

 

Best,

 

Panpan

[san5a]

On 11/27/2013 at 3:28 AM, panpan said:

Hi Ink,

 

You've chosen a really difficult hobby but a rewarding one

 

If you haven't, you might want to go to youtube for various videos just to see what people do. Without a teacher, unless you know Chinese and/or have access to the various styles of calligraphy then you will have a difficult time.

 

As far as brushes.... there are so many to choose from: lengths, bristle types and combinations, thicknesses... and then there is the paper.... as equally important for different bristle types.

 

Lastly, the ink. you might not want to use an ink stick yet (though some would disagree). If you use an ink, stick you'll need to know what kind of consistency you need for your brushing and that may be difficult unless someone can show you.

 

At some point you'll hear about the 4 treasures: ink, brush, paper, and ink stone. They all influence each other and there really is no good way to tell you what you should start with.

 

However, you can search "blue heron arts" for some information and to see what is out there for materials (the four treasures).

 

In short, it will take experience and just practice. There are the practice pads that you can just dip the brush in water and then paint on a reusable pad. Blue Heron Arts has them. Though you might prefer small brushes working with a bigger brush will train your muscles and eventually your brushing will be much improved.

 

If this doesn't help let me know. I can point you to more specific things or information if you have more specific questions (what kind of calligraphy style do you want to do, traditional characters or all Japanese, is it just for you?, etc...)

 

Best,

 

Panpan

Hello. I found this thread so interesting. I have a question about inkstone materials. do you think it's possible to use raw earthenware as inkstone? I saw there are many materials but I think the kind of grit of the stone should be appropriate for that