Kyoto: Sumi Ink and Brush Calligraphy Experience

Experience the tradition of Japanese sumi ink and brush calligraphy by drawing bamboo using only water and ink. Enjoy the refined simplicity of this expression. All the necessary tools are already prepared. Begin by grinding sumi ink with an inkstone (suzuri). Instead of using pre-made ink, enjoy the process of grinding sumi ink with water, experiencing the fragrance and texture. Next, practice different brush techniques. First, practice soku-hitsu by using the side of the brush, and then practice choku-hitsu, where the brush is held upright. Once you’ve practiced enough, move on to drawing bamboo on a shikisi board. Use the techniques learned so far and enjoy the process of drawing. Finally, write some characters. What characters would you like to write? Here, there are kanji characters for "竹" (bamboo) and "和" (harmony). If you have other requests, feel free to let the guide know, and they will write them for you. After practicing several times, write your characters next to the bamboo you’ve drawn. The finished shikisi board can be taken home and displayed. Enjoy this relaxing time with sumi ink and brush.