Japanese Shodō Calligraphy
Learn about Shodo calligraphy using traditional materials and brushing key styles with the Drawing and Painting Studio at Kagyu Samye Dzong Edinburgh on 15th March!
About Japanese Shodō Calligraphy
Explore the traditional materials and brushing key styles, learning from inspiring Shodo masterpieces
In this immersive afternoon class we will discover the meditative depth of Shodo 書道 calligraphy and enjoy practicing the essential techniques, learning how to brush the key styles with traditional materials in harmony.
The class teaching methods are based directly on the Japanese style of teaching used in esteemed Shodo schools. We will work from the Thousand Character Classic Senjimon 千字文 and discover the delightful styles of such calligraphers as Chiei 智永 and Kaiso 懐素. Beginning with stroke practice, we will be guided in each exciting part of the process as well as learn how to mindfully relax into each moment of brushing, then be supported to complete works of calligraphy.
What we will explore and learn:
- Discover the rinsho 臨書 practice of copying classic works.
- Detailed guidance on strokes and use of the brush for each style, working with both ofude and kofude sizes of brush.
- Focus on kaisho and sosho styles, learning how to complete works in each.
- Learn to work with sumi ink, hanshi calligraphy paper and shikishi boards.
- Develop writing your name in Japanese in the rakkan 落款 signature area.
- Discover the visual background and ancient meanings of each character.
- Understand the connections between the key styles of Kaisho 楷書(boxed style), Gyosho 行書(semi cursive) and Sosho 草書(fully cursive ‘grass’ style).
Class and Student Level:
This is a friendly class using traditional materials – all materials are provided. Suitable for both total beginners and those with Shodo experience, this is a cultural and welcoming group which is great for those with an interest in Japanese or Chinese culture, or arts, language or Zen. Each participant will have direct teaching time with the teacher. No previous experience is needed to take part.
Great also for folk with an interest in Japanese or Chinese culture, or arts or language, or Zen, and no previous experience is needed to take part in these groups.
About your teacher:
Clear demonstrations and friendly help is given from calligrapher Blair Thomson, who first studied Shodo in 2002 in Toyama, Japan, with calligraphy Master Wakabayashi, and with zen monks and respected teachers in Tokyo. Blair has an award winning background in the arts and community art, and has led calligraphy workshops with organisations including University of Bristol, Shiseido, JETAA and the Japanese Garden at Cowden.
Booking and more information:
Please book your space through Eventbrite. Spaces are limited so advance booking is recommended. Sorry but tickets are non-refundable, unless we need to cancel the class in unexpected circumstances. The classes are for ages 16+. If you would like to find out more please contact us.
To see past Japanese calligraphy activities, please check the Japanese calligraphy news page: https://drawingandpaintingstudio.com/tag/shodo
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks
Join our team at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for weekly gallery talks as part of the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
READ MORE
Winter Wellbeing Challenge
As winter begins, the wonderful folk at SHBT are inviting you to take part in a monthly activity in the beautiful Historic Building Riddles Court, just off the Royal Mile.
READ MORE
Family Drawing Workshop
Take inspiration from drawings in our latest exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance and join us for a special family drawing workshop.
READ MORE
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
READ MORE
Turner in January
Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!
READ MORE
Book Log Bookbinding Workshop
Join Cass on 8th January for a crafty evening making your own Book Log, mini pamphlet stitch book and a nifty ‘library book inspired’ pocket!
READ MORE
Vibrant Viki’s Messy Art Club
Vibrant Viki’s Messy Art Club is a lively, hands-on creative experience designed especially for children under five who love to explore, play, and get wonderfully messy.
READ MORE
Novel Ideas
Join host Janis Mackay along with students from her 2025 Novel Writing Course as they read from their works in progress at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 10th January!
READ MORE
Paper Trails
Paper Trails presents a focused selection of works on paper by &Gallery’s represented artists this January.
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links