The Black of Sumi Ink Makes the White Stand Out - a demonstration of kana calligraphy with commentary

Satoka Kitayama

ASSociate Professor, Nara University of Education Calligraphy Education Course, Japan
 

Satoka Kitayama demonstrates calligraphy techniques such as blurring and bleeding while using various types of sumi, and explains calligraphy is a creative expression using characters written with sumi ink. Calligraphy is not just a measure of transmitted information, but also an artistic expression that is performed by putting ink on the paper while observing certain rules for each character. In calligraphy for kana (Japanese syllabic characters) the placement and amount of ink is especially important. In this demonstration I would like to show the richness of this writing system using sumi ink. I hope I will be able to convey the depth of expression possible with calligraphy.

(Japanese with English interpretation. The demonstration will be recorded live in Nara, with the video available soon after.)

Satoka Kitayama