The English word “calligraphy” is derived from the Greek word Kalos, meaning “beautiful”.
In Japanese the word for calligraphy is shodō. This literally means “the way of writing”, emphasising calligraphy as a philosophical and spiritual pursuit.
Nevertheless, beauty is valued in Japanese calligraphy. Some Japanese aesthetic principles which are important to shodō are:
不均整 (Fukinsei) “Asymmetry or irregularity”
In Japanese art, a sense of asymmetrical balance is a dynamic, beautiful thing.
Nature contains many beautiful and harmonious relationships which are asymmetrical yet balanced.
Asymmetry is seen as more natural and appealing than rigid, artificial symmetry.
渋味 (Shibumi) “Understated elegance”
The formal meaning of this adjective is “astringent”. It can describe an astringent flavour, but often it describes an elegant or austere aesthetic or style.
Usually it has a positive nuance. It could refer to something old-fashioned, but is cool because it’s interesting or unusual. Think vintage style, but more subtle and subdued.
幽玄 (yūgen) “subtlety” or “suggestion”
Beauty is found not only in that which is directly expressed, but also in that which is unseen, hidden or suggested. It’s the subtle meaning in a haiku poem, the shape of Fuji-san just visible through the clouds, or the kanji strokes in a calligraphy work which are unwritten yet appear to exist.
Yūgen is the hinting at something that exists perhaps not in reality, but only in the mind of the audience.
静寂 (Seijaku) “Tranquility” or an “energized calm”
Stillness and calm, but not sleepy or drowsy. Seijaku is an active calm, the experience of being still yet totally alert.
It’s the feeling of gazing at a zen garden. It’s the silent pauses in music, motionlessness in dance and theatre, the focus and self-awareness reached in meditation.
In states of active calm and tranquility that we find the very essence of creative energy.
Calligraphy by Vicky 