General information
Price: ¥12,000 (tax included) per person. (Usually ¥15,000- Special Period Discount)
Includes:
2 Shikishi* Boards (24cm x 27cm)
1 Shikishi Frame (27cm x 83cm)
1 Postcard Set (1 Japanese brush pen and 5 blank postcards)
~all items can be taken home ~
*Shikishi is traditional Japanese letter paper pasted on a beautiful paper board.
Calligraphy Kyoto is the only calligraphy studio in Kyoto where you can receive direct guidance from a professional calligrapher.
This course is for people who want to learn the basics of calligraphy. It is especially good for tourists seeking to experience authentic Japanese culture. Practicing meditation and mindfulness through calligraphy (Zen Calligraphy) is effective for unifying the mind.
First, you will listen to a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and the Japanese writing system. Next, you will practice drawing basic lines and learn several Kanji. After that, you will write your favorite Kanji on Shikishi Board. Finally, you will make your own postcard~ send it from Japan and surprise your family! This will be the coolest souvenir to represent your time in Kyoto!
Detailed Course Information
1) Explanation of the history of Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) and the origins of written Japanese (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji). Calligraphy is a traditional art form with an intimate connection to everyday life.
2) Explanation of Calligraphy tools, sumi ink preparation and how to hold the brush (fude). Calm your mind while preparing the sumi ink. As with Zen, this is a time for meditation and self-reflection.
3) Master how to handle the brush as we practice making basic lines. It is important to hold the brush vertically and control the amount of ink.
4) Let’s write some Kanji!
1) With your preferred hand, take the brush and hold it vertically.
2) With your other hand, hold down the washi paper.
3) Pay attention to where to place powerful strokes and where to carry the line through. Think of how to balance the characters, how to handle the brush, and the shade of the ink.
Practice about 10 different Kanji characters (requests accepted) and then focus on practicing your favorite characters to write for your final work. At this time, also practice writing your name in Japanese with a little brush. 
5) Now let’s try writing on the “Shikishi” and insert it into the frame.
Mounted in the traditional style, Shikishi is even more beautiful. Please decorate your home with it and enjoy it for many years to come.
Shikishi are compact and do not take up much space, making them easy to pack.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email and I’ll do my best to help!
Inkyoto7@gmail.com