Samurai Calligraphy

When talking about Samurai Calligraphy, it would be most often referred to traditional Japanese art Shodo, which is a form of calligraphy or artistic writing. The art of Shodo originally came to Japan from China along with Chinese characters, but later was adapted and absorbed, getting distinct and specific Japanese aesthetic. Samurai Calligraphy as the whole Samurai culture was closely connected to Zen Buddhism, focusing on the spiritual nature of the art. The brush strokes should have to be done in one exact movement – no corrections were allowed – and even a small lack of confidence would show up in the drawing. Concentration, precision, and smooth flow were a must and the art of Shodo was often compared metaphorically and sometimes literally to the art of sword wielding.

Examples of Samurai Calligraphy that you'll find in this section can vary in types and can be done on silk, bamboo, wood, paper, fabric, and some other less common materials. The drawing can be of several characters or of singular ones. It's common for Shodo practitioners to draw their names as well, but phrases or quotes were also not uncommon.

One of the popular examples of Samurai Calligraphy would be a set of drawing of characters symbolizing seven virtues that every Samurai should follow and that were a part of Bushido. These virtues are: Honour, Respect, Loyalty, Courage, Truth, Righteousness, and Benevolence. The drawing can be of the old time, but quite likely they would be done by modern practitioners of Shodo, which make them not less desirable, but rather more affordable.

Calligraphy or Shodo at modern time is taught as a subject in universities and even elementary schools of Japan, but at the time of Samurai, it was accessible and affordable only for high-ranked and nobles. Even though many Samurai were practitioners of Shodo, it was not uncommon for some Samurai from poorer casts not to be well educated or versed in calligraphy.

Shodo drawings made by professional Shodo masters can be a fine addition to a décor of your living room and it's getting more common to decorate houses and offices with traditional Japanese calligraphy writings as they give a place a sophisticated touch of the mysterious Eastern culture.

You can see current listings for Samurai Calligraphy here: