Japanese Calligraphy

Authors

  • Horie Tomohiko

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34314/cq6q5y52

Abstract

More than any other area of the world, Japan and China have refined the practical act of writing into a highly-expressive art form. With their roots in earlier Chinese symbols, Japanese calligraphers have-through a 1300-year history developed a variety of unique styles of their own. Two main classifications are discussed: "classical" in which form and emotion are closely integrated, and "subjective" in which feeling takes precedence over form.

Author Biography

  • Horie Tomohiko
    Horie Tomohiko is chief of the research staff at the Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan). He began to show interest in calligraphy at the age of fifteen, and consequently became fond of writing himself. He has "studied nothing but calligraphy." Mr. Horie has published many articles and four books, including History of Calligraphy and Noted Calligraphers in Japan.

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Published

2026-03-25

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 4 (1967): Volume 1.4

Section

Journal Article