Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Japanese calligraphy

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Japanese calligraphy

書道書
alternative words: Shodo, Shodou, Sho
keywords: art
related topics: Heian period , Kakemono
related web sites: http://www.jade.dti.ne.jp/~minamoto/
explanation: Originated from China, the calligraphy had been considered an art that every intellectual of east Asian countries should master. Until the beginning of Heian period, in the 9th century, Japanese style had been virtually same as Chinese because of frequent diplomatic and cultural missions. Since then Japan has developed her own style (Wa-yo), in particular after works of a genius Japanese calligrapher, "Ono no Tofu". The appearance of Japanese own characters, "kana" had also strengthened this difference.