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Description: |
This class focuses on the artistic practices and culture of Japanese calligraphy. It is co-taught by a professional Japanese calligrapher. We begin with the selection of a pen name and the carving of a soft stone stamp. From here, we will practice a variety of calligraphic styles, including kaisho (print script), gyosho (cursive style) and sosho (simplified cursive style) of kanji (Chinese characters). We will also learn the meanings of kanji. The course concludes with an exhibit of calligraphic artwork. For the cultural component of this class, we will study “graphology,” or how handwritten messages are read for meaning, in works of Japanese fiction, film, and manga. This course is ideal for those who have studied some calligraphy previously, but newcomers are also welcome. Likewise, previous study of Chinese or Japanese, while helpful, is not required. Calligraphy materials required for this course cannot be found in the bookstore; materials will be discussed on the first day of class. |