Shodo

In this beautiful and extraordinary zen calligraphy book, Shozo Sato, an internationally recognized master of traditional Zen arts, teaches the art of Japanese calligraphy through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry.Single-line Zen Buddhist koan aphorisms, or zengo, are one of the most common subjects for the traditional Japanese brush calligraphy known asshodo. Regarded as one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen,shodo calligraphy is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan. After providing a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and its close relationship with the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Sato explains the basic supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills that you'll need. He goes on to present thirty zengo, each featuring:An example by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapherAn explanation of the individual characters and the Zen koan as a wholeStep-by-step instructions on how to paint the phrase in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho)A stunning volume on the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought,Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy guides beginning and advanced students alike to a deeper understanding of the unique brush painting art form ofshodo calligraphy.Shodo calligraphy topics include:The Art of KanjiThe Four Treasures of ShodoIdeogram ZengoStudents of Shodo
Shodo, or Japanese brush calligraphy, is a traditional art that is much-loved in Japan. In Shodo, respected Japanese master calligrapher Shozo Sato teaches this art form through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry. Designed for all learners, from beginner to advanced, Shodo will inspire all with the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought found within its pages.Shodo is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan, since this art form is thought to be one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen. In this book, Shozo Sato guides beginning and advanced shodo students alike to a deeper understanding of this unique brush painting art form. The basic supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills are clearly laid out, and 30 selected zengo or single-line Zen koan aphorisms are included. Examples of classic shodo masterwork by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapher appear throughout, along with a set of guided step-by-step instructions showing you how to paint the Zen koan in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho).Discover the quiet joy and introspection Japanese calligraphy can bring with Shodo.