Brushing 永字八法 The Eight Principles of Eternal

As we moved into Spring at our monthly shodō groups, we worked on a classic character and practiced its strokes and styles. We brushed 永 ei, meaning eternal, which has been written for centuries for its balance of eight strokes central to learning calligraphy, known as 永字八法 （えいじはっぽう eiji happō), the Eight Principles of Eternal. The character is visually made up of two streams merging together, continuously flowing, and this is where the meaning of eternal originates from ✨

As we had just a single character, we had more time to look at examples from calligraphers and brush and compare 永 ei in three styles, the kaisho regular, gyōsho semi cursive as well as sōsho fully cursive ‘grass’ style.

Here is a humorous Spring themed haiku by Edo period poet Kobayashi Issa, that Blair shared with participants:

The spring breeze.

Being pulled by a cow

To the Zenkoji temple.

It was an amiable group at KSD in Glasgow with a pleasant atmosphere of peaceful concentration whilst participants worked away on their stroke practice and brushed eternal in the inspiring styles of the masters. This time we brushed on shikishi calligraphy boards as well as hanshi calligraphy paper, noticing the difference in the feel and ink spread of both. Many thanks to everyone for taking part and we look forward to catch up with you again next time.