Kyoto: Sumi Ink and Brush Calligraphy Experience

Kyoto’s Sumi Ink and Brush Calligraphy experience takes visitors on a captivating journey through the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy. Participants will grind sumi ink, releasing its distinct fragrance, before mastering essential brush techniques under expert guidance. They’ll create beautiful bamboo designs on shikisi boards, capturing the essence of this culture. What you will craft during this hands-on session is sure to leave them with a cherished souvenir and a newfound appreciation for the artistry of calligraphy.

Key Points

• Learn the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy through hands-on experience grinding sumi ink and practicing brush techniques like soku-hitsu and choku-hitsu.
• Guided step-by-step to draw bamboo on a shikisi board, using brush strokes to create the stalks and leaves.
• Discover the rhythmic and meditative process of grinding ink, releasing its distinctive earthy fragrance.
• Develop an understanding of the cultural significance and mastery required in Japanese calligraphy.
• Take home a personalized shikisi board as a cherished souvenir, showcasing your artistic journey and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Traditional Japanese Calligraphy

What’s the essence of traditional Japanese calligraphy, or sho-do? It’s the art of elegantly expressing meaning through the written word.

Mastering sho-do requires years of disciplined practice to perfect brush techniques and stroke styles. Calligraphers grind sumi ink on an inkstone, savoring its fragrance and texture. They then use the upright brush (choku-hitsu) or side of the brush (soku-hitsu) to create evocative characters and artwork.

The finished piece reflects the calligrapher’s mastery, emotional state, and connection to nature. This centuries-old tradition continues to captivate as an exquisite form of artistic expression in Japan.

Grinding Sumi Ink

As the first step of the calligraphy experience, participants grind sumi ink using a traditional inkstone called a suzuri.

They carefully pour the black ink powder into the center of the inkstone, then add a few drops of water.

With slow, circular motions, they grind the ink, gradually transforming it into a smooth, viscous liquid.

The rhythmic grinding releases the ink’s distinctive earthy fragrance, allowing participants to appreciate its unique qualities.

This hands-on process helps them understand the care and attention required to prepare the essential tool for traditional Japanese calligraphy.

Brush Techniques: Soku-hitsu and Choku-hitsu

After grinding the sumi ink, participants practice two fundamental brush techniques central to Japanese calligraphy: soku-hitsu and choku-hitsu.

Soku-hitsu involves using the side of the brush to create broad, expressive strokes. Participants learn to control the brush’s angle and pressure to achieve different line widths and textures.

Choku-hitsu, in contrast, utilizes the upright position of the brush for precise, linear strokes. Mastering these techniques allows participants to capture the essence of bamboo and other subjects through their calligraphic compositions.

The instructors provide guidance and feedback to help refine each participant’s brush handling skills.

Drawing Bamboo on a Shikisi Board

Next, participants are guided to draw bamboo on a shikisi board. The instructor demonstrates the techniques:

1. Hold the brush vertically and use the tip to create thick, tapered bamboo stalks.

2. Utilize the side of the brush (soku-hitsu) to paint wispy bamboo leaves.

3. Experiment with varying brush pressure and speed to achieve natural, flowing bamboo shapes.

4. Add finishing touches by writing the kanji characters for "bamboo" (竹) and "harmony" (和).

The finished shikisi board can be taken home as a unique souvenir from the calligraphy experience.

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Writing Calligraphic Characters

Participants then focus on writing calligraphic characters. They use the sumi ink they ground earlier and their brushes to practice various strokes and techniques. The instructor guides them through writing characters like the kanji for "bamboo" (竹) and "harmony" (和).

Character	Meaning
竹	Bamboo
和	Harmony
書	Write
美	Beauty

Participants carefully control the angle, pressure, and speed of their brushstrokes to create elegant, expressive characters. The finished shikisi board serves as a unique souvenir of their calligraphy experience.

Souvenir: Finished Shikisi Board

The finished shikisi board serves as a cherished souvenir of the participants’ calligraphy experience. This handcrafted piece showcases their efforts and creativity, preserving the memory of their artistic journey.

The shikisi board can be proudly displayed at home, reminding them of:

1. The satisfying process of grinding sumi ink and feeling its unique texture.
2. The graceful brush techniques they mastered, from soku-hitsu to choku-hitsu.
3. The sense of accomplishment in drawing bamboo and writing Japanese characters.
4. The vibrant culture and connection they felt during the calligraphy workshop.

This souvenir is a tangible reminder of the participants’ newfound appreciation for the art of Japanese calligraphy.

Included Materials and Guidance

All the necessary tools for the calligraphy experience are included. Participants will be provided with an inkstone (suzuri) to grind sumi ink and appreciate its fragrance and texture. A shikisi board is available for drawing bamboo and writing characters. Pre-made sumi ink is also provided. Skilled instructors will guide participants through brush techniques, including soku-hitsu (side of the brush) and choku-hitsu (upright brush), as well as demonstrate how to draw bamboo.

Included Materials
Inkstone (suzuri)	For grinding sumi ink
Shikisi board	For drawing and writing
Pre-made sumi ink	–
Brush techniques	Guidance provided

The finished shikisi board can be taken home as a memorable souvenir.

Preparation and Requirements

Although not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, the sumi ink and brush calligraphy experience requires minimal preparation.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, and to bring water. The activity takes place indoors, so arriving on time is crucial.

No prior calligraphy experience is necessary, as aprons are provided to protect clothing. The experience is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all participants, regardless of their artistic background.

To ensure a smooth session, adhering to the following guidelines is recommended:

• Wear comfortable shoes, hat, and sunscreen
• Bring water
• Arrive on time
• No prior calligraphy experience required

Things To Know

How Do I Get to the Activity Location From the Nearest Train Station?

To get to the activity location, take a 10-minute walk from the nearest train station. Follow the signs to the giant crab sculpture of Kani Doraku, and the calligraphy experience will be located nearby.

Can I Bring My Own Calligraphy Supplies or Do I Have to Use the Provided Ones?

The experience provides all necessary calligraphy supplies, so there’s no need to bring your own. You’ll use the provided inkstone, sumi ink, and shikisi board to practice the traditional techniques under the guidance of the instructor.

Is There an Option to Extend the Activity Duration Beyond 50 Minutes?

While the standard duration is 50 minutes, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the activity. The provided materials and guidance are included in the fixed-length experience.

Do You Provide Any Refreshments or Snacks During the Activity?

The activity does not include any refreshments or snacks. Participants are advised to bring their own water and are welcome to enjoy the experience during the 50-minute duration.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in This Activity?

The minimum age to participate in this sumi ink and brush calligraphy experience is not specified. However, the activity is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, suggesting it may not be appropriate for very young children.

Sum Up

Participants come away from the Kyoto Sumi Ink and Brush Calligraphy experience with a cherished souvenir and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of traditional Japanese calligraphy. Guided by skilled instructors, they master essential brush techniques, grind sumi ink, and create elegant bamboo drawings on shikisi boards, seeing the cultural and artistic traditions of Kyoto.

You can check availability for your dates here: