Large Rectangle Calligraphy Set with Five Brushes

11 Piece Large Chinese Calligraphy Set in Fabric Box. Wonderful boxed set of calligraphy implements contains a number of nice items. 7 x 10.5 inch box, itself, is covered in a rich linen and silk weave, lined with red velvety fabric. Box is latched with bone pegs. Soapstone chop, topped by a temple fu dog, is 2.75 inches long. Little paint pot contains red ink, and is made of blue and white ceramic with dragon design. A gold floral design grace a peg of hard black ink. Heavy stone mixing palette has a wonderful crane engraved at top. Set includes full size Chinese bamboo brushes with fine bristles, Chinese writing imprint and red cords. A white porcelain brush rest and small porcelain mixing bowl are also included. Altogether, a very unique and beautiful set.

One can trace shodo’s history to China, where the mater Wang Xizhi is credited with the creation of the art. Shodo was first introduced into Japan in the 8th century. The early Heian contemporaries Kuukai, Emperor Saga, and courtier Tachibana no Hayanari are respectfully known as the Sanpitsu (Three Great Brushes), and their calligraphy is considered a true representation of Chinese calligraphy’s timeless beauty.

In the 10th and 11th centuries these three were succeeded by the Sanseki (Three Traces): Ono no Toufuu, Fujiwara no Sukemasa, and Fujiwara no Yukinari. These three masters developed what would become the first uniquely Japanese calligraphy style, wayou (also joudaiyou). Fujiwara no Yukinari's style led to the creation of the Sesonji school, and Ono no Toufuu served as an archetype for the Shouren’in school which later became the Oie style of calligraphy. The Oie style was used for official documents in the Edo period and was the prevailing style taught in the terakoya schools of that time.

Just as calligraphy has evolved over time, its broad latitude for creativity and the increasing number of women masters today characterizes the resurgent interest in calligraphy.