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書道 supplies - bbranigin - 2009-01-28
I am taking a second sem. Japanese at university and a friend, upon noticing my obsessive practice of kanji writing, suggested I take up shodou. Does anyone know where I could get some supplies online? What tools do I need to get started?
書道 supplies - Jarvik7 - 2009-01-28
bbranigin Wrote:I am taking a second sem. Japanese at university and a friend, upon noticing my obsessive practice of kanji writing, suggested I take up shodou. Does anyone know where I could get some supplies online? What tools do I need to get started?To start out all you really need is a brushpen (should be available at any craft store) an scrap paper. Once you know you want to pursue it and improve it you can think about buying an ink stone, ink sticks, a real brush, etc.
書道 supplies - joxn_costello - 2009-01-28
In lieu of an actual teacher, you need a book. I recommend Sho: Japanese Calligraphy. Also excellent is The Chinese Art of Writing, but it is hard to find.
書道 supplies - rich_f - 2009-01-28
I've studied Chinese calligraphy for about 3 years now, and I will say that the only thing you really need is a decent brush. Not a great brush, just a decent one. Don't get the $2-$3 ones you see at craft stores, because those tend to leave more bristles on the paper than ink, and that tends to make it Not Fun.
If you're in the US, I like to buy my stuff from:
http://www.orientalartsupply.com
They're based in CA, and tend to specialize in brush painting and sumi-e, but they have some really nice brushes that also work well in calligraphy. I started out with one of their flow brushes, and it lasted me for a good while. Call them and ask them if you need advice.
Don't mess with ink sticks and ink stones at first. Just get a small bottle of Sumi-e ink for now. You can mess around with mixing ink if you find you like it later. Don't get India ink. You can usually find Sumi-e ink at any arts and crafts store. It's fine for beginners. Use a small plastic cup or something to hold the actual ink when you're working with it. Again, no need to get all spendy at first.
Same goes for paper-- no need to shell out at first. Plain newsprint is fine at first. If you want, you can get a nice practice paper at OAS (the website I listed above) that has a red grid pattern on it that's nice for practicing, and it's cheap. 100 sheets for $5. I like it because it takes ink really well (it doesn't soak up ink like washi will, so it saves ink) and it gives you a place to work out your proportions.
Most important-- find a good teacher. I lucked out because I found a great teacher who indulges me. She's letting me study clerical style these days. (It's hard.)
Also, wash your brushes thoroughly after you use them. It makes them last a LOT longer.
書道 supplies - rich_f - 2009-01-29
More stuff:
As far as books go, Sho (mentioned above) isn't bad, but it's a bit... weighty... for a beginner. Here's a book I really like:
Brush Writing: Calligraphy Techniques for Beginners, by Ryokuushuu Kuiseko (Kodansha)
ISBN 4-7700-1362-0
Runs about 2900 yen. I'm not sure of its availability in the US. I bought mine in Tokyo at the National Museum. Try bk1.jp or Kinokuniya in the US if you can't find it on Amazon.
It sells at Amazon (US) used here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/4770013620/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all
She covers all of the basics without weighing you down with too much "stuff," so you can get right down to writing. (Her calligraphy is also very easy to follow. I really like her style.) The lessons pretty much build on each other in a straightforward manner, with no mystical stuff. This is the book you want if you just want to learn how to write with a brush without meditating on a bunch of stuff.
Sho is a good book if you want to get into the history and details of calligraphy, but it might overwhelm you a bit if you just want to learn how to write kanji with a brush. It's a really good second book or reference book, tho.
Most important is finding a good teacher. Ask around. I found mine through the local Zen temple, sort of by chance. You might have more luck finding someone to teach you Chinese calligraphy rather than Japanese (like me). If so, don't sweat it too much. I was concerned about it at first, then I asked around in the Japanese community here, and they all said not to worry about it. So I'm not. lol. (Not like I can find anyone here in the J community that teaches it, anyway!)
書道 supplies - bbranigin - 2009-01-29
Thanks for all the info. I think I am going to try "Sho" since I am interested in more than just the writing.
A question on ink and brushes. I live in a dorm and the water is high in calcium - will this affect my brushes harshly and will the ink cause any plumbing or staining issues?
Thanks again for the responses
書道 supplies - Jarvik7 - 2009-01-29
bbranigin Wrote:Thanks for all the info. I think I am going to try "Sho" since I am interested in more than just the writing.You could always run your water through a Brita water filter (I also live in a dorm and do the same due to calcium/bad taste). If you're worried about staining just be careful to pour the waste directly into the drain of the sink (or a shower!) to avoid contacting the porcelain.
A question on ink and brushes. I live in a dorm and the water is high in calcium - will this affect my brushes harshly and will the ink cause any plumbing or staining issues?
Thanks again for the responses
書道 supplies - rich_f - 2009-01-29
The ink will stain porcelain if you don't clean it off of the porcelain when it's still wet, so *don't let it dry.*
I have a little porcelain dish with ink stains on it I've never been able to get out. I'd imagine it would do the same to a porcelain sink if you don't wash the sink out thoroughly after you're done cleaning up. It's fine to wash up in the sink (you can't really avoid it), just be thorough about cleaning up afterward. Also, when rinsing your brush, rinse it until the water is clear.
Oh, and when you first get your brush, it will be stiff as a board. Soak it in hot water for about an hour or two to loosen the starch. You'll want to get most of the starch out of the tip of the brush, but don't wash all of the starch out of the top of the brush (near the handle). If you do, it won't be as easy to handle. (Although it will get that way over time, anyway, and you'll get used to it over time, it's nice to have that starchy top to help guide your brush when you're still learning. It helps your brush keep a good shape.)
Or just do what the book or your teacher says. Everyone has an opinion on that.