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Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy, Learn the Wisdom of Zen Through Traditional Brush Painting Hardcover – March 11, 2014

by Shozo Sato (Author), Alice Ogura Sato (Translator), Gengo Akiba Roshi (Foreword),
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 196 ratings
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In this beautiful and extraordinary zen calligraphy book, Shozo Sato, an internationally recognized master of traditional Zen arts, teaches the art of Japanese calligraphy through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry.

Single-line Zen Buddhist koan aphorisms, or zengo, are one of the most common subjects for the traditional Japanese brush calligraphy known as shodo. Regarded as one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen, shodo calligraphy is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan. After providing a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and its close relationship with the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Sato explains the necessary supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills that you'll need. He goes on to present thirty zengo, each featuring:
  • An example by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapher
  • An explanation of the individual characters and the Zen koan as a whole
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to paint the phrase in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho)

A stunning volume on the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought, Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy guides both beginning and advanced students to a deeper understanding of the unique brush painting art form of shodo calligraphy.

Shodo calligraphy topics include:
  • The Art of Kanji
  • The Four Treasures of Shodo
  • Ideogram Zengo
  • Students of Shodo
Previous page
  1. Print length
    176 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tuttle Publishing
  4. Publication date
    March 11, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    9 x 0.8 x 12 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    4805312041
  7. ISBN-13
    978-4805312049
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"More than a primer on shodo, this book gives a thorough discussion of the practice of calligraphy as well as insight into the mindset and understanding required for writing zengo. Therefore, it should be seen as fitting into a long line of excellent publications that bring the often baffling teachings of Zen to a wide English-speaking audience." --Janice Katz, Ph. D., Roger L.Weston Associate Curator of Japanese Art, Art Institute of Chicago

"This book is a gift for the mind and the eyes. Thoughtful commentary provokes an ongoing consideration of the meanings of the Zen phrases, while the brilliant inclusion of calligraphic how-to educates the eyes on how to follow the lines of ink in the original free-flowing gestures of the brush. I know I will return to this book again and again." --Christy A. Bartlett, Director, Urasenke Foundation San Francisco

"An extraordinary book! Art and wisdom poised on the tip of a brush." --Lee Gurga, Editor, Modern Haiku Press

"When complimented by an understanding of the literal, poetic, and philosophical meaning of the words, looking at Japanese calligraphy can be an exciting aesthetic and intellectual experience. It is with this goal in mind, of unlocking meaning and relevance to the non-Japanese speaker, that Shozo Sato presents his latest publication Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy." --Deborah Clearwaters, Director of Education and Interpretation, Asian Art Museum San Francisco

"This book SHODO - The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy - can be enjoyed two ways. One is to start and to practice Calligraphy, and two is as an introduction to Zen philosophy. Oh, and for those who are interested in both." --Iromegane.com blog

"Both Zen Buddhism and the art of calligraphy can seem impenetrable to newcomers. Even the nuances of how to hold a brush can form an insurmountable obstacle without proper training. However, Shozo Sato's Shodo, The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy synthesizes these challenging fields into an easily digestible and visually stunning volume…Shodo is a perfect coffee table book for those wanting to learn more about calligraphy, and dip their brushes into the world Zen." -- Kyoto Journal

About the Author

Shozo Sato is a master of traditional Zen arts, and has received the Order of Sacred Treasure from the Emperor of Japan for his contributions in teaching Japanese traditions. His areas of expertise include ikebana (flower arranging), chanoyu (tea ceremony), and Japanese theater as well as sumi-e (ink painting). He conducts workshops on ikebana and sumi-e throughout the U.S., Asia and Europe and is the author of numerous books including Tea Ceremony, Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy and The Art of Sumi-e. He was the founding director of Japan House at the University of Illinois, where he is Professor Emeritus and continues to teach Japanese arts. Shozo Sato resides in Champaign, IL.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing; Hardcover with Jacket edition (March 11, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4805312041
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4805312049
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 0.8 x 12 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 196 ratings

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  1. Shōzō Satō

    Shōzō Satō

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    Shozo Sato was awarded the Order of Sacred Treasure from the Emperor of Japan for his contributions in teaching Japanese traditions. His areas of expertise include ikebana (flower arranging), chanoyu (tea ceremony), and Japanese theater, as well as sumi-e (ink painting). He is the author of numerous books including Tea Ceremony, Ikebana, and The Art of Sumi-e. He was the founding director of Japan House at the University of Illinois, where he is Professor Emeritus and continues to teach Japanese arts. He devides his time between Fort Bragg, California and Champaign, IL.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Gengo Akiba Roshi

    Gengo Akiba Roshi

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
196 global ratings
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3 Stars
Awful Shipping Method
I didn't get to truly read it, but from what I did view it was a great book for history and reference/studying. However, be warned that you're buying this book with the chance it's destroyed in the mail. It's shipping package is nothing but a brown paper bag turned into a temporary carrier. When it had come in the mail, the book had been torn and inverted in one of its corners. If you're fine with damaged books at this price, then I'd say it's still a good buy.
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Top reviews from the United States

LW Raboys
5.0 out of 5 stars A magnificent book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2014
Verified Purchase
As an artist and student of Zen, I have long loved Japanese calligraphy but it always felt beyond my capability. When one reads of masters perfecting their techniques over decades, how impertinent does it seem for someone who cannot even read the language to attempt to write it! So for years all I have attempted are ensos. But this beautiful volume, with its clear examples and directions, makes one take courage, primarily because Sato shows each lesson in 4 different styles of calligraphy, from very formal to very informal, so one can attempt what feels closest to one's own nature. Equally encouraging are the biographies of some of his students and the examples of their work, which are handsome. Most reveal that they do not read Japanese! As my Zen teacher has said, we can do this as a practice of meditation, much as one recites a mantra of sutra, even if one does not understand the language. Thank you Shozo Sato... your book is a treasure!
22 people found this helpful
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J. K. In California
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Calligraphy Book in a Century.
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2014
Verified Purchase
An extraordinary calligraphy book! Even the thickly textured cover feels good.

Professor Shozo Sato brings out the life and the human experience from a few brush strokes. I own a book shelf full of calligraphy books, but this is The One. The author very clearly shows you how masterpieces were made, and step by step details how to copy them and make them with your own personal interpretation. I've never seen another book of Japanese or Chinese calligraphy that is able to do that, especially for the Western mind. He transforms each Zen Statement into a meditation.

The art student will find in "Shodo" a model for learning and teaching
The monk will find an important collection of Zen Buddhist koans or zengo.
The art enthusiast will find fabulously beautiful pieces of Zen art.
The practitioner will find thoughtfully nuanced meditative explanations of Zen statements as they relate to the rich teachings of Zen Buddhism.

Sato-San seems to have compiled "Shodo" for the training of the mind to recognize earthly reality. The way is not easy, but this book is transformative and guides you on that path. Only a great master can accomplish that.
jk
38 people found this helpful
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jiiski
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully wrought, graciously written work
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2020
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I bought my copy of Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy on Amazon from Bellwether Books. Sold as "like new," the book is in fact really new, and it arrived within a week. I love the large size (the book is 9 inches by 12 inches) and the depth of the writing and instruction. Of course, the calligraphy is inspiring. I appreciate all who were involved in creating and delivering the delightful experience of this book to me.
6 people found this helpful
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Arnold Asrelsky
5.0 out of 5 stars A First Rate Guide
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2014
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This book illustrates 'the way of the brush' as a meditative program of mind and heart discipline. A large number of zen sayings are illustrated and commented on in the various calligraphic styles developed by the Chinese and Japanese artists and scholars. The text is full enough to allow any practitioner to learn this art and practice the discipline. It is also a beautiful production which may be enjoyed just as an extraordinary example of Japanese culture, art, and religion. Highly recommended
7 people found this helpful
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Roberta
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, exactly as stated in description
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
Very pleased with my purchase. Gives history and explanation of each saying. Shows different styles of calligraphy with stroke order shown, and a brief introduction to forming strokes.
One person found this helpful
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A E S G
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Maybe packed better? It got torn
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2015
Verified Purchase
I love this book, I want to start calligraphy and this definitely helps with lots of information how to hold and introduction to different writing styles.
Also arrows steps how to write kanji phrases with clear meanings. Excellent excellent book!

Just sad that it came ripped, It was packed together in a box with the other orders I made, one was quite heavy I suppose thats how it got ripped.
I wished it was bubble wrapped or paper wrapped at least or something. I love my books in good condition :( but can't happen for this one.
Normally amazon ship in some kind of special enveloped box thingi thats very secured.
I wonder why not for this and the other book I ordered from Amazon this week.
Im disappointed.
3 people found this helpful
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Diana Rasmussen
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant in its Simplicity
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2014
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Shozo Sato makes the complex art of Zen Shodo (writing of Zen Sayings or zengo) not only understandable and accessible to the average reader he goes beyond the history and possible Zen meanings to encourage the reader to express themselves in this ancient writing system with simple easy to follow patterns and the never before explained rhythm of the marks. His choices of zengo are relevant today in our lives of "tee shirt and blue jeans" and his wisdom and clarity give the reader access to an extraordinary teacher!
5 people found this helpful
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Jim Coddick
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2020
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Great quality and big format, super readable, very nice. Gave it as a gift and they love it
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Top reviews from other countries

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Claudio Miklos
5.0 out of 5 stars Ótima compra
Reviewed in Brazil on July 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
Produto em perfeitas condições, alta qualidade, entrega rápida e eficiente.
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Matteo
5.0 out of 5 stars La più bella pubblicazione sullo shodo
Reviewed in Italy on May 24, 2022
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Ottimo volume sull'arte dello shodo. Dalle sue origini fino a giorni nostri. Non è un libro lunghissimo ma è ricco di immagini, kanji e consigli su come iniziare la calligrafia giapponese. Si apre con la descrizione del materiale principale per scrivere, la descrizione dei vari stili calligrafici ed infine alcuni kanji (con relativa spiegazione e numerazione) riprodotti in vari stili utili a chi inizia questa forma d'arte per imparare (alcuni sono difficili). Forte l'impronta della filosofia Zen!
One person found this helpful
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Evelyn Leitner
5.0 out of 5 stars Großartiges Buch mit schlechten Versand
Reviewed in Germany on April 20, 2022
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Tolles und ausführliches Buch über die Kunst japanischer Kalligraphie. Leider kommen die Bücher von Amazon immer defekt, weshalb es eher zu empfehlen ist Bücher über lokale Buchgeschäfte wie Thalia und Co. Zu beziehen
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Evelyn Leitner
5.0 out of 5 stars Großartiges Buch mit schlechten Versand
Reviewed in Germany on April 20, 2022
Tolles und ausführliches Buch über die Kunst japanischer Kalligraphie. Leider kommen die Bücher von Amazon immer defekt, weshalb es eher zu empfehlen ist Bücher über lokale Buchgeschäfte wie Thalia und Co. Zu beziehen
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Quinn
5.0 out of 5 stars A must for anyone interested in Japanese calligraphy
Reviewed in Canada on June 11, 2020
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Just about everything about this book is fantastic. Anyone interested in Shodo or Chinese calligraphy will find something to enjoy about this book. The artwork on it's own makes it worth owning. In addition to that the directions (stroke order) as to how to write many of the characters in the book, as well as the explanations that go along with them, simply add to the value.

SHODO: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy surpassed my expectations in regards to the quality of the content. I wish I had bought this long before now.
2 people found this helpful
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Magdalena Sánchez Garri
5.0 out of 5 stars Compra obligada
Reviewed in Spain on December 28, 2017
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Libro bien grande, contiene aspectos ilustrativos de como hacer bien la tecnica japonesa de Shodo. Aunque viene en inglés, lo considero esencial.
One person found this helpful
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