Led by Matthew James (pen-name ‘Mashū’), an award-winning calligrapher and PhD calligraphy researcher, participants in this workshop will learn about:
- the history of calligraphy in China and Japan,
- the equipment and materials used for calligraphy, and
- the basic techniques of brush writing.
| Instructor: | Matthew James |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Capacity: | Up to 20 participants |
| Ticketing: | Can be managed either by us or in conjunction with the venue |
| Notes: |
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Description
The workshop begins with a brief overview of the 3,000-year history of calligraphy in East Asia: the evolution of different writing styles, famous calligraphers and calligraphic works, and the role of calligraphy in East Asian societies.
While presenting this overview, Matthew will demonstrate the techniques of brush writing and explain the equipment, materials, and concepts involved.
Participants will then try writing a single-character (kanji) piece on fine calligraphy paper in three different styles: regular script, running script, and seal script. Matthew will demonstrate each first, and instructions (including video demonstrations) are provided for participants’ reference. Please see the example below.
As the participants practice writing, Matthew will walk around the room giving advice and encouragement.
Matthew giving a workshop to undergraduates at the University of East Anglia.
After several attempts at these different styles, participants will be given a choice of single-character pieces to try writing on special calligraphy boards. Unlike paper, these boards do not wrinkle when written on, so participants’ finished works will be ready for framing as a souvenir of the experience or as a gift for someone special.
An example of a single-character piece on a special calligraphy board written by a workshop participant.
If participants have special requests such as writing particular characters, Matthew will do his best to accommodate them.
About the instructor
Matthew (pen-name 真秀 ‘Mashū’) was born in Derbyshire and began studying calligraphy soon after moving to Japan in 2000 to take up a post as an English teacher. His works have won awards at national competitions in Japan and been exhibited at prestigious museums.
He is a trustee of the Kenshin Calligraphy Association, an advisor to the Yomiuri Calligraphy Association, and in 2017, he was invited to give a workshop for foreign visitors at the National Art Center in Tokyo.
He returned to the UK at the end of 2023 to share the many wonderful things he has learned about East Asian culture with people in his native country.
With that goal in mind, he is undertaking a PhD at the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures, which is affiliated to the University of East Anglia. His research focuses on the introduction of a new style of calligraphy to Japan in late 19th century.
In addition, Matthew continues to participate in exhibitions and arts events in both the UK and Japan and teaches Japanese online.
You can find out more about Matthew here.
Additional Notes
As we will be using water-based ink:
- participants are requested wear clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty,
- felt underlays are used to prevent ink getting on tables/desks, and
- plastic sheeting is available to protect carpets if necessary.
Before participating in the workshops, participants are requested to read the following important documents.
Accidents sometimes happen, though, so all workshops are covered by public liability insurance—documentation available upon request.
Should participants wish to purchase calligraphy equipment and materials, the instructor will have a limited stock available. These items can also be ordered from our online store.
To organise a workshop with us, please use our contact form—we’ll respond within 2–3 working days with availability and next steps.