-Shodo-
(Also "shodou," "Fude calligraphy brush," "Japanese Calligraphy")

English Definition:
Japanese calligraphy, Literally "The Way of Writing"

Along with the disciplines of poetry and painting, excellence in calligraphy is considered to be the proper attainment of every cultured person. Calligraphy in Japan was born with the introduction of the Chinese writing system in the 5th century A.D. Two brushes, the "hosofude" ("slender brush") and "futofude" ("thick brush") are the basic brushes of the calligrapher. The ink, "Sumi," is typically made of soot from burned oil or wood and mixed with fishbone or hide glue. The mixture is dried into a stick and when rubbed with water onto the inkstone, the "suzuri," can be converted into usable ink. The water is applied with a dropper called a "suiteki." The equipment is kept in a box called a "suzuribako."

Click here to see Shodo calligraphy brush sets made by the master, Sasagawa-san.