Synopses & Reviews
andlt;bandgt;In this beautiful and extraordinary zen calligraphy book, Shozo Sato, an internationally recognized master of traditional Zen arts, teaches the art of Japanese calligraphy through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry.andlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Single-line Zen Buddhist koan aphorisms, or andlt;iandgt;zengoandlt;/iandgt;, are one of the most common subjects for the traditional Japanese brush calligraphy known as andlt;iandgt;shodoandlt;/iandgt;. Regarded as one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen, andlt;iandgt;shodoandlt;/iandgt; calligraphy is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan. After providing a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and its close relationship with the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Sato explains the basic supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills that you'll need. He goes on to present thirty andlt;iandgt;zengoandlt;/iandgt;, each featuring:andlt;BRandgt;andlt;ulandgt;andlt;liandgt;An example by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapherandlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt;An explanation of the individual characters and the Zen koan as a wholeandlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt;Step-by-step instructions on how to paint the phrase in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho)andlt;/liandgt;andlt;/ulandgt;A stunning volume on the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought, andlt;iandgt;Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphyandlt;/iandgt; guides beginning and advanced students alike to a deeper understanding of the unique brush painting art form of andlt;iandgt;shodoandlt;/iandgt; calligraphy.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;bandgt;Shodo calligraphy topics include:andlt;/bandgt;andlt;ulandgt;andlt;liandgt; The Art of Kanjiandlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt; The Four Treasures of Shodoandlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt; Ideogram Zengoandlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt; Students of Shodoandlt;/liandgt;andlt;/ulandgt;
Review
"More than a primer on shodo, this book gives a thorough discussion of the practice of calligraphy as well as insight into the mindset and understanding required for writing zengo. Therefore, it should be seen as fitting into a long line of excellent publications that bring the often baffling teachings of Zen to a wide English-speaking audience." and#8212; andlt;bandgt;Janice Katz, Ph. D., Roger L.Weston Associate Curator of Japanese Art, Art Institute of Chicagoandlt;/bandgt;
Review
"This book is a gift for the mind and the eyes. Thoughtful commentary provokes an ongoing consideration of the meanings of the Zen phrases, while the brilliant inclusion of calligraphic how-to educates the eyes on how to follow the lines of ink in the original free-flowing gestures of the brush. I know I will return to this book again and again." and#8212; andlt;bandgt;Christy A. Bartlett, Director, Urasenke Foundation San Franciscoandlt;/bandgt;
Review
"An extraordinary book! Art and wisdom poised on the tip of a brush." and#8212; andlt;bandgt;Lee Gurga, Editor, Modern Haiku Pressandlt;/bandgt;
Review
"When complimented by an understanding of the literal, poetic, and philosophical meaning of the words, looking at Japanese calligraphy can be an exciting aesthetic and intellectual experience. It is with this goal in mind, of unlocking meaning and relevance to the non-Japanese speaker, that Shozo Sato presents his latest publication andlt;iandgt;Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphyandlt;/iandgt;. Sato does this by focusing on the practice of writing characters combined with a discussion of the meaning of 31 Zen phrases.(andhellip;) His inclusion of art by his students is meant to inspire us "to pick up a brush without embarrassment and to enjoy the creative process." This spirit of embracing the "beginner's mind" and celebrating earnest, if imperfect endeavor, can be found in the practice of Zen, Tea, and Shodo, living arts mastered by Sato, here effortlessly combined to give the non-specialist an entry point into their enduring power." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Deborah Clearwaters, Director of Education and Interpretation, Asian Art Museum San Franciscoandlt;/bandgt;
Review
"This boo SHODO - The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy - can be enjoyed two ways. One is to start and to practice Calligraphy and two is as an introduction to Zen philosophy. Oh, and for those who are interested in both."and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Iromegane.comandlt;/bandgt;
Synopsis
Shodo, or Japanese brush calligraphy, is a traditional art that is much-loved in Japan. In
Shodo, respected Japanese master calligrapher Shozo Sato teaches this art form through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry. Designed for all learners, from beginner to advanced,
Shodo will inspire all with the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought found within its pages.
Shodo is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan, since this art form is thought to be one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen. In this book, Shozo Sato guides beginning and advanced shodo students alike to a deeper understanding of this unique brush painting art form. The basic supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills are clearly laid out, and 30 selected zengo or single-line Zen koan aphorisms are included. Examples of classic shodo masterwork by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapher appear throughout, along with a set of guided step-by-step instructions showing you how to paint the Zen koan in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho).
Discover the quiet joy and introspection Japanese calligraphy can bring with Shodo.
Synopsis
Shodo, or Japanese brush calligraphy, is a traditional art that is much-loved in Japan. In
Shodo, respected Japanese master calligrapher Shozo Sato teaches this art form through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry. Designed for all learners, from beginner to advanced,
Shodo will inspire all with the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought found within its pages.
Shodo is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan, since this art form is thought to be one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen. In this book, Shozo Sato guides beginning and advanced shodo students alike to a deeper understanding of this unique brush painting art form. The basic supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills are clearly laid out, and 30 selected zengo or single-line Zen koan aphorisms are included. Examples of classic shodo masterwork by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapher appear throughout, along with a set of guided step-by-step instructions showing you how to paint the Zen koan in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho).
Discover the quiet joy and introspection Japanese calligraphy can bring with Shodo.
About the Author
Shozo Sato is a master of traditional Zen arts, and has received the Order of Sacred Treasure from the Emperor of Japan for his contributions in teaching Japanese traditions. His areas of expertise include ikebana (flower arranging), chanoyu (tea ceremony), and Japanese theater as well as sumi-e (ink painting). He conducts workshops on ikebana and sumi-e throughout the U.S., Asia and Europe and is the author of numerous books including Tea Ceremony, Ikebana and The Art of Sumi-e. He was the founding director of Japan House at the University of Illinois, where he is Professor Emeritus and continues to teach Japanese arts. Shozo Sato resides in Fort Bragg, California.