Private Calligraphy Lesson with a Master Calligrapher at a Kamakura Residence

An Ancient Art in Historic Surroundings

A 20-minute walk outside the center of Kamakura brings one to the majestic front gate of the Former Murakami Residence, its large noren curtain illuminating the quiet street. The villa was built in the 1930s and designated an Important Architectural Feature by the City of Kamakura in 1999. The location is one of the most attractive in the city, and just a short walk from the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Sujimoto-ji Temple and its mossy steps, and Hokuku-ji Temple’s bamboo grove and gardens.

The tearoom is surrounded by calmness and tranquility

This Wabunka-exclusive calligraphy lesson takes place in the residence’s annex tea room, and is led by renowned calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi. Ms. Shiraishi has developed the traditional practice of shodo calligraphy into a comprehensive art form, combining it with music during live performances. Alongside calligraphy, she notably designed the ‘circle formation’ concept for the Japan men’s team kit at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Ms. Shiraishi’s lesson offers a chance to immerse oneself in the meditative act of calligraphy while opening one’s mind to the art form’s infinite possibilities.

Calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi. Working from traditional foundations, Ms. Shiraishi actively collaborates with other artists to expand her artistic worldview

An Infinite World in a Sheet of Paper

After learning about the culture, customs, and tools involved with shodo calligraphy, guests are ready to grind their ink. While casual calligraphy can involve pre-made liquid ink, the traditional art form demands that the artist create their own with an ink stick and water. The act of inkstone grinding is deeply meditative, and the soft aroma of the sumi ink helps one relax and focus their mind.

A saying goes, “let the sick person polish the ink”. One should be gentle and patient.

With ink made, the lesson begins. The primary goal is to write a Japanese kanji character with Ms. Shiraishi’s guidance. Those who have never practiced calligraphy before are welcome: Ms. Shiraishi instructs all participants in how to hold the brush, how much ink to use, and the precise motions required to write beautifully. In the quiet tea room surroundings, one can almost hear the sound of the brush absorbing the ink. Once prepared, one must feel the tension in the brush and face the paper before them.

Calligraphy offers one the chance to look within themselves through brushstrokes

In contrast to handwriting practice, which is usually concerned with correctness, calligraphy is a way to express one’s own individuality and sense of self. Ms. Shiraishi has said that she wants students to “experience the joy of calligraphy by learning how to write the same word thicker or thinner, moving and resting the brush in different places, blurring ink, and expressing themselves in an infinite variety of ways.”

‘Writing the Heart’ through Calligraphy

Guests may choose a Japanese kanji character from among several prepared by Ms. Shiraishi in advance, or may specify one in advance. The only hard rule is to follow the prescribed stroke order, in which guests will be guided. Beyond that, guests are invited to write according to their personal sensibilities.

Common characters for calligraphy include 'wind' (風); 'love' (愛); 'way' (道); 'light' (光), and 'god' (神)

Ms. Shiraishi explains the principles of Japanese calligraphy

Guests’ finished work will be mounted on a shikishi board and can be taken home. Also, the final piece will be hung in the tokonoma, an alcove in the tea room designed to display calligraphy, paintings, flower arrangements and antiques, for photos and viewing.

The final piece will be hung in the tokonoma for photos and viewing

Optionally, guests can enjoy a live calligraphy performance from Ms. Shiraishi herself after the lesson. She will use the characters written by the day’s guests as a motif in her own work. This is a unique opportunity to see a world-renowned calligraphy performance in an extremely intimate setting.

Ms. Shiraishi incorporates guests’ work in her performance

Setting the Mind at Ease

“I hope that people can experience the world of calligraphy, and through it set their minds at ease,” says Ms. Shiraishi. The practice of calligraphy can promote deep breathing, concentration, and a degree of spiritual healing. With senses sharpened, the sounds of the wind, the chirping of birds, and even raindrops hitting the surface of a pond can be heard clearly and inspire the movement of the brush.

Reflecting on the lesson over a cup of tea

Most of us today live in a hectic world full of information. Calligraphy offers a rare chance to escape the daily routine and immerse oneself in delicate work. In this exclusive experience, guests can forget the passage of time, nurture their senses, and feel their mind sharpen with the action of the brush.