Heartful Zen Calligraphy for Autumn

• Drawing and Painting Studio


• 16 Oct 2024

Moving into autumn we had a theme of empathy with the heartful Zen phrase dōji 同事 (どうじ), which has a meaning of thinking about others, and their heart. As a common Japanese word it simply means ‘the same’ ✨

In the kaisho style the two characters are noticeably different in their overall shapes and thicknesses of strokes, yet combine very naturally in the sōsho ‘grass’ style. So there was quite a contrast between the styles this month.

We had time to practice these varied strokes and enjoy embracing the joining strokes in the cursive style, which participants delighted in the flowing, connected feeling of brushing. We also looked briefly at the semi cursive style. It was a relaxed group with some Japanese hōjicha (roasted brown tea) and tasty mochi rice cakes to keep us energised 🫖🍡

It was difficult to find a poem that followed our theme! Here is a poem by Issa about an encounter and a small act of compassion:

A Radish Worker
With the radish he 
Pulls out, a radish-worker
Shows the road to me.

Issa

Thanks to everyone for taking part, and to those for sharing some pictures here of their calligraphy practice and a fascinating ukiyo-e artwork of Edo period calligraphy practice.