Customer Reviews:
Best Chinese Book of 2006.......2007-01-12
Beautiful written characters combined with excelent text and funny image.
Good for both students and teachers !
Exquisite Chinese Characters.......2005-10-12
Each and every Chinese character has a form of its own, representing a particular meaning and/or sound. This book is a good introduction to Chinese characters. An exquisite Chinese character, like thousand words, tells its own story and evolution. Through understanding these key characters, sometimes called radicals, one can discover the beauty of Chinese culture as well as civilization. (...)
One of a kind...but definitely not Japanese.......2004-11-04
I have been inspired by this book to pursue the study of Chinese characters to a deeper level. On the other hand, the more I read and compare it to other resources on the same subject, the more critical I become.
This book has inspired me to a deeper study of Chinese radicals (for a better understanding of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). The result - I've found it makes a great stepping stone, and can be used for comparative analysis of the surprising variety of information available to English speakers mostly through the internet, or through native language dictionaries for those with access, but it should NOT be relied upon as a single source for learning, teaching, or research. It is reasonably educational and artistic, but not authoritative.
Even though I love this book and go back to it occasionally, there is one huge glaring error, to the point of unethical advertising, starting on the cover of the book. The title misleadingly contains the word "Japanese." Although Chinese characters are an important part of the Japanese language, it contains NOTHING about Japanese. You would have to be aware of Japanese independently of this book in order to make the connection that is made ONLY in the title. It is an English language book explaining aspects of Chinese, with the use of simplified characters created by the Peoples Republic of China as examples - although the simplified PRC characters bear some resemblance to the traditional characters that are mostly used in Japan, they are not the same, therefore making this book less useful for dedicated students of Japanese.
Anyway, despite this beef with the title and the fact that it should not be used a sole source for academic pursuit, it has many more merits than demerits. Since it is one of the very few books dedicated to this specific subject as well, the uniqueness adds a little to its value.
An interesting study.......2004-05-29
I like this book, and so I'm giving it 4 stars, but that is not to say that the criticisms of it are without merit.
Firstly, this book has absolutely nothing to do with learning the Chinese language. You will not be able to read Chinese from buying this book, and it will be impossible to study the language, since there is no systemitized presentation of the language. What this book instead does is presents an interesting geneology of some fairly common, culturaly relevant, or visualy interesting characters. For people who already know some Chinese, or for people who are interested in evolutions of writting systems or graphic design, this is not a bad book.
There are some strange inconsistencies, but I have a theory that explains them. First, the book inconsitently presents some characters in simplified form, while others are in traditional form. Second, criticisms of the caligraphy are fair. They have heart, but it is not really outstanding, and certainly not something to be emulated.
From these two problems, I concluded that the book was not a product of the Chinese mainland, Xiang Gang (Hong Kong), or Taiwan, since such inconsitencies would have been corrected. If you do some checking, that's because it isn't. As you probably could have guessed by the author's name, it's an Italian book. The Italian author worked with a Japanese illustrator to compile the book.
Japanese Kanji are Chinese characters adopted into the Japanese language, but they have been isolated from Chinese for centuries. As a result, some of the more complex characters have been simplified. Simplification of Chinese characters started long before Mao made them standard in the PRC. Infact, they are generaly based on cursive and calligraphic short-hands developed by people who had to write a lot, or who were not educated enough to constantly be in need of writting formal characters.
Many characters have been simplified from their original forms even in the so called "Traditional" character set (Fanti Zi) such as the numbers, and the Tai in Taiwan. The original, complex numbers used in formal Chinese can still be found on currency, mostly to confound counterfiters. Some characters, such as Li, meaning 'inside,' or Zhen, meaning 'real' can be found written one way, but typed in a less simplified way.
Simplification in pre-Mao Chinese was common, but not standardized. When Mao standardized all the characters for the PRC, he took all of the commonly simplified characters, as well as simplifying some other, more complex characters with whole new sets of visual symbolism, some time to enhance the 'phonetic' part of the character, so that it is easier to guess the sound of the word. The characters 'ren' and 'shi,' together meaning 'to come to know' are great examples of this.
Japanese characters are written without these contemporary simplifications since they were linguisticly isolated from Chinese by the 20th century, but reflect many common older simplifications. An prime example of this is the character 'ya' used in 'yazhou' for Asia, or otherwise just meaning second. It is rather dificult to write aestheticaly in Traditional Characters, but in Simplified Characters (Jianti Zi) it is much much easier, if not as beautifull. On the other hand, the correspondent Japanese Kanji is written in the old hand-written style.
Needless to say, the Japanese also have different aesthetic standards from the Chinese. The use of Japanese is not at all uncommon in earlier European Sinology. Ezera Pound, for instance, in translating the works of Li Bai (Also called Li Po, or Li Bo, as it was pronounced during the Tang Dynasty) actualy translated an Italian manuscript which itself was translated from a Japanese copy of the Chinese Poet's famous writtings. This circuitious route would explain some of the, er, to put it kindly, eccentricities of Pound's translations, and it explains some of the inconsistencies in this book.
There are many things this book is not: it is not an introduction to Chinese. It is not an instructional book on how to paint calligraphy. It is not a comprehensive academic study of the Chinese system of writting.
As long as you accept it for what it is, though, and don't mistake it for something it's not, this is a pleasant book. The characters are more or less acurately explained, and they are organized according to important cultural themes. Thus, it is a nice primer on the subject of the esoteric meanings and evolutions of Chinese characters for the casual (not academic) student. There are better books I've read on the subject, but they are all in Chinese.
A fairly good introduction to the Chinese writing system........2002-12-26
This is a fairly good introduction to the Chinese writing system providing insight into its origins and current use. While the calligraphic representations of the modern forms of the characters may be somewhat off, much of the background information is fine. The romanisation system is the officially recognised pinyin romanisation scheme developed by Russian and Chinese linguists during the 1930s and updated in the 1950s; it is generally employed in the transliteration of Standard Chinese into Latin letters. There is no need to worry over what 'dialect' the transliterations belong to because the vast majority of any given publication concerning China and the Chinese language will be in Standard Chinese, the national normative based on Northern Chinese. There are seven to eight Chinese languages with a myriad of dialects each, and it would be illogical to favour the others over the national standard. With regards to the evolution of characters, the sources from which the author bases the evolution is explained in the background information towards the front. I would recommend this as a wonderful coffeetable book, art book, and general introduction to the Chinese writing system, but not as an ultimate foundation in learning the Chinese script. If one is seriously interested in learning good handwriting, I recommend Johan Bjorksten's «Learn to write Chinese characters» from the Yale Language Series. It's inexpensive and perhaps even more useful than the volume on sale here. Both books use pinyin romanised Standard Chinese -- and usually with the tones noted, too! Most books, unfortunately, tend to leave them out. Bjorksten's work should be used as a supplement to a full on course in Standard Chinese (biaozhun hanyu... or, as many may say, putonghua); however, it can stand alone for those who are simply curious about the writing system itself and would like an appliable introduction.
Customer Reviews:
Another wonderful book by Addiss!.......2004-04-23
This collection of zen masterpieces is one that you
will return to again and again. Addiss has managed
to cover the history of Japanese zen through ample
biographies of zen artists with numerous samples
of their painting and calligraphy. The book itself has
the wonderful ability to capture the spirit of zen and
Addiss, himself a marvelous artist and writer,
inspires readers with experiences of enlightenment
in just over 200 pages.
The Art of Zen: Paintings & Calligraphy by Japanese Monks.......2000-07-11
"The Art of Zen" is a beautiful, beautiful book and has taken its place on my read-again-and-again bookshelf. The 200+ page book is not only packed with the history of zen in Japan as exemplified by the major zen monk artists but complemented by many examples of their art. The history is divided into seven major periods that discussed the political and cultural climate of Japan as well as the philosophic perspective of Zen Buddhism.
There are extensive biographies of each of the major monk artists with examples of the work and, often times, their poetry. For example, the death poem of Ryonen, one of zen nuns, reads, "In the autumn of my 66th year, I've already lived a long time- The intense moonlight is bright upon my face. There's no need to discuss the principles of koan study; Just listen carefully to the wind outside the pines and cedars."
In addition, Addis brings an artist's eye to the paintings and his commentaries on technique, execution and innovation are enlightening (no pun intended)and help to explain how zen seeks to express the "inexpressible."
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Zen, in art, in the Japanese culture or with a desire to better understand the view of life seen by awakened men and women.
Book Description
Japanese Calligraphy is a lovely art and requires years of practice and dedication to master. English texts on the subject attempt to teach the basics, but they lack the movement required to teach proper technique and proper form. This is why we have selected to use multimedia lessons on CD-ROM which contains not only detailed explanations, samples, and frame by frame analysis, but also videos showing correct technique and audio giving proper pronunciation.
Takase Shodokai Learn Japanese Calligraphy Lessons 1 - 6 provides detailed instruction on the tools of Japanese Calligraphy and on the basic strokes and lines of the Kaisho (Block) script.
Kaisho is the most commonly seen script today and is characterized as being bold and powerful with precise and crisp lines. There are eight fundamental strokes and nine fundamental lines used in the Kaisho script and each are covered in detail in these first six lessons.
Knowledge of Japanese is not required.
Requires Microsoft Windows (tm)
Customer Reviews:
Yeah right...........2007-10-06
I really dont like Takase... complete loser... and a total waste of time buying products such as this. Dont buy this product. Takase was very rude to me, and is VERY unprofessional.
Buy Vol.1 - reconsider for Vol.2.......2004-03-22
As the other reviewers emphasize, the videos are an instructive way to show how to do it. The very detailed treatment of both the professional and the beginner examples well guide one to recognize typical mistakes. I can strongly recommend one to buy the first volume of the set.
However, the next (and most probably the rest) of this presently four-volume set do not contribute that much. Six new characters per CD left me missing much more samples and model characters. And business is business - the CDs are almost empty and would well fit in a single disc.
I was surprised!.......2003-01-17
I was surprised!
`Learn Japanese Calligraphy' with Master Eri Takase is incredible!
I have been interested in Japanese Calligraphy for years. I've purchased many popular books on the subject but was ready to give up in total frustration, not only because of the impossibility of trying to learn calligraphy strokes from a book but also because of the level of the Japanese language required. I was surprised and delighted to find in Takase Sensei's course strokes demonstrated, through videos, in minute detail, dynamically and almost exaggerated, and then frame by frame explanations and samples. There is no way to obtain this level of detail, and it is absolutely essential in calligraphy, from a book. Now I can actually see how it is suppose to be done..
The videos showing students doing some of the characters, with Takase Sensei making corrections and suggestions, really helps me see and correct my own mistakes and bad habits. It is almost like having my own private instructor, available any time, day or night, there for me whenever I have time to study my calligraphy.
Knowledge of Japanese isn't required but for those, like me, that are serious about learning the language too, I can improve my language skills as I learn Japanese Calligraphy. The translations given on the CD and the proper pronunciation of all terms are valuable learning tools.
I do have to admit that I initially had trouble getting the video to play right but solved the problem after visiting the Shodokai forum. I found I needed to install version 7 of the Windows Media Player. Now it works like a charm.
Another reviewer said that this is a valuable resource for the serious student and I whole-heartedly agree. The title of this course is a bit misleading in one respect. It is also a useful resource for those studying Chinese Calligraphy.
Finally All The Details!.......2002-12-20
I have bought all the books but have been frustrated and finally here are all the details. The lessons start with a detailed discussion of the tools, what to buy and what to look for. Then video and explanations are given on posture, how to grind the ink and how to properly hold the brush. Finally each character is covered in great detail with very good quality video of Takase Sensei drawing the character. Then a step by step, point by point analysis of what is happening in the video is given. And what I really like are the student samples and corrections including actual size images of the corrections.
Takase Sensei does not cover a large number of characters in this first CD-ROM and instead covers important characters in great detail. This course has it all and I am looking forward to the next CD-ROM.
If you are seriously interested in learning Japanese/Chinese Calligraphy then this is the course for you.
Book Description
Magnificent and plentiful images of finely wrought Japanese calligraphy teach the techniques and spiritual essence that underlie this ancient, elegant art.
In Japan, calligraphy is more than an art: it’s practically a religion, in which every stroke and every character should reflect the writer’s own spirit and personality. This lovely and illuminating introduction presents the wonders of Japanese calligraphy, and shows how to create the 3 basic sets of characters in use today: the Chinese kanji characters, which represent an entire word visually, and the 2 phonetic alphabets, hiagana and kakatana. Practical and detailed exercises demonstrate how to handle the brush; generously sized illustrations capture the characters’ every line and curve; and 15 beautiful paper, ceramic, and fabric projects provide dazzling examples of this uniquely Japanese craft. As your skills develop, decorate an Evening Fan with a short poem, draw a Four Seasons Hanging, make an Eternal Calendar with 12 sacred animals, adorn a lampshade, and many more exceptional items.
A Selection of the One Spirit Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
Japanese calligraphy instructional and art book.......2007-01-12
book is nicely done, an easy read and gives a good view for beginners on the Japanese written language and the arts surrounding it.
Excellent blend of oriental contents and western application!.......2006-01-08
This is an excellent book that brings life oriental cultures to western audiences by introducing not only the aesthetics but also practical applications of calligraphy. The book contains information and spirits that Japanese would want to communicate to the world in a persuasive way. Undoubtedly, there are many aspects of Japanese cultures that are under explained, partly because Japan has been closed to the world for a long time and its culture well preserved from the rest of the world. But this means there are not many Japanese who have enough international skills to fully explain what their culture and tradition are all about. In my opinion, the author has done a fantastic job doing just that explaining Japanese calligraphy together with its historical background as well as rich and deep cultural elements in a plain yet comprehensive language. In addition, it shows various applications for westerners who would want to try calligraphy. The profile of the author indicates she knows the ins and outs of Japanese culture and also well versed in western culture from her international experience which probably contributed to her writing and illustrating of such masterpiece. As a businessperson who sits between both oriental and western world, I can honestly say this book bridges the two worlds with full authenticity. Overall, the book is enlightening, entertaining, and artistic in its own right. The book is also good for value, and is surprising to come with a large sized hard cover full of wonderful pictures and illustrations - it itself can be a good interior to put on the bookshelf, even before mastering the skills and projects in the book!!
Book Description
The first book on Japanese calligraphy from the significant Momoyama and Edo periods (1568–1868), 77 Dances examines the art of writing at a time when it was undergoing a remarkable flowering, as illustrated by over one hundred sumptuous illustrations. Everything from complex Zen conundrums to gossamer haiku poems were written with verve, energy, and creativity that display how deeply the fascination for calligraphy had penetrated into the social fabric of Japan. Examining the varied groups of calligraphers creating works for diverse audiences will show how these artistic worlds both maintained their own independence and interacted to create a rich brocade of calligraphic techniques and styles.The book begins with basic information on calligraphy, followed by six main sections, each representing a major facet of the art, with an introductory essay followed by detailed analyses of the seventy-seven featured works. The essays include: The revival of Japanese courtly aesthetics in writing out waka poems on highly decorated paperThe use of Chinese writing styles and script formsScholars who took up the brush to compose poems in Chinese expressing their Confucian idealsCalligraphy by major literati poets and paintersThe development of haiku as practiced by master poet-painters The work of famous Zen masters such as Hakuin and Ryokan
Pages 8–9.
Pages 82–83.
Pages 220–21.
Book Description
The most comprehensive, authoritative, and easy-to-use tool for reading Japanese art signatures is again available, in a limited-edition reprint. Designed for both layman and scholar, its simplified approach allows users to find and identify over 11,000 names of Japanese artists and craftspeople, from all periods and in all media. Includes a sections on reading dates, a list of 300 modified and debased characters, and an index of provinces and place names, plus reproductions of date and censor seals on woodblock prints, publishers' trademarks and seals, and actors' and Genji mon. Indispensable for the scholar or collector of Japanese art.
Book Description
In Japanese calligraphy, each stroke is rich with meaning, each character speaks volumes. Traces of the Brush provides the first illustrated history of this unique art. The authors explore its many styles and genres and investigate the calligrapher's tools - paper, ink, and brush. Interwoven with excerpts of literature and poetry, the text immerses the Western reader in the spirit of Japanese calligraphy. Abundant full-color illustrations make this book a feast for the eyes.
Customer Reviews:
Appreciative review on shodou history.......2004-05-20
The authors' sincere appreciation of the art of shodou is convincingly mediated to the reader. Especially the colorful and illustrative praising of kana calligraphy impressed me.
The high-quality images of the ancient masterpieces play an important role occupying a plenty of page space.
Just remember that this is a book on history, attitudes and ways of looking at the japanese calligraphy. This in not a text on calligraphy techniques. Comprehensive instructions on shodou are excluded from this book.
Book Description
Sumi-e (Japanese for “ink picture”) captures the spirit of the rock, flower, bird or landscape in bold strokes. Beginners can start mastering this ancient art with an inspiring guide that introduces the essential materials, techniques and brushwork, and a range of projects. Recreate the Orchid, Bamboo, Plum Blossom, and Chrysanthemum—sumi-e’s four foundations.
Customer Reviews:
Really great for beginners.......2006-07-02
Informative, explanatory, detailed and with beautiful images! Definitely a good buy if you would like to start sumi-e.
The best of many western books on this subject.......2003-02-24
I have been teaching and practicing this artform (Chinese Brush Painting) for about 5 years and have found this among the very best of the available books on the subject. Ms. Frame takes us through the basics, with descriptions of the materials and brushstrokes that one can actually follow and put into practice -all the time keeping true to the tradition. She then takes us beyond the basics with lovely projects incorporating colour along with the ink. I would highly recommend this book along with Ning Yeh's instruction books and videos for anyone seriously interested in learning the techniques of this beautiful artform.
Japanese Ink Painting.......2003-01-16
I have done ink brush painting for over 20 years in Japan, China and now in Alabama. Japanese Ink Painting is a clear, beautifully illustrated approach for all experienced or new to the art. It is a valuable resource to everyne who desires to utilize a brush with ink, watercolor, or any medium and be sucessful with it.
Book Description
Based on traditional Japanese shodo, "the Way of Calligraphy," Brush Meditation introduces beginners and non-artists alike to working with brush and ink as a form of "moving meditation." By showing you how the most elemental brush strokes reveal your physical and mental state, it teaches you to become "one with the brush," attuned to the underlying principles of life and nature. As the text explores the intricate relationships of mind, body, and brush, it delves into the mysteries of human life energy, or ki, and the power of the hara, a natural abdominal center. Simple exercises demonstrate how to use the brush in spiritual practice, while illustrations guide every step. In the Appendix is information about how to find more formal instruction as well as sources for brushes, ink, and paper.
Customer Reviews:
Guide to spiritual transformation.......2007-04-29
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (4/07)
Once in a while I find it very helpful to venture outside of the realm of things that normally interest me and that I have some knowledge about. Learning about new things is a very stimulating experience and it seems to me that it keeps my brain in good working order. As far as the Japanese art forms are concerned, I am vaguely familiar with the flower arranging, but that is where my knowledge - and even real awareness - of such art forms end. Picking up H.E. Davey's "Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind & Body Harmony" was a real eye-opener.
The author begins this book with explanation and history of shodo, continues with the complex connections of mind, body and brush, and finishes with simple step-by-step exercises for the basics of shodo. The illustrations and the photos would certainly be very helpful for anybody who intends to try their hand at this ancient art form.
Mr. Davey's writing is fluid and engaging. He does not get overly technical and is easy to understand. The book kept my attention and made me wish for more balance in my life. Let me give an example of Mr. Davey's writing here:
"The kanji, or written characters, used in both Japan and China have transcended their utilitarian function and collectively serve as a visually stirring piece of fine art. Shodo allows the dynamic movement of the artist's ki ("life energy" or "spirit") to become observable in the form of rich black ink. In great examples of shodo, you can sense both the rhythm of music as well as the smooth, elegant, and balanced construction of refined architecture. Many practitioners of this art feel that the visible rhythm of Japanese calligraphy ultimately embodies a "picture of the mind" - and accomplished calligraphers recognize that it actually discloses your spiritual state. This recognition is concisely summed up by the traditional Japanese saying: [...] If your mind is correct, the brush will be correct. "
Although Mr. Davey stresses several times that one needs to find an instructor to truly begin the exploration of shodo, I found "Brush Meditation" to be an interesting book for anybody who would like to learn at least the basics of shodo as well as anybody who just wishes to become more familiar with the traditional Japanese arts and way of living.
Wondereful discussion of the philosophy behind Japanese brush work.......2005-10-17
After reading several books on the technique (really a NO technique) of Zen brush work, this book really dealt wll with the emotions and feeling underlying this incredible art. A very good read.
Shodo as it should be........2002-01-16
I recently finished reading the book, Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind and Body Harmony, by H. E. Davey. The book is excellent. I am novice (hardly even that, actually) when it comes to Shodo (having only recently begun studying Shodo), but your book provides a very smooth introduction, and does a great job of getting across the relationship between it and the other Japanese cultural arts (chado [tea ceremony], budo [martial Ways], kado [flower arrangement], etc).
It is written in a very positive way and contains many beautiful pieces of artwork. I very much enjoyed the "four experiments toward a positive mind," these are great examples of introspection. Though I am far from an expert in budo, I have spent many years training and researching this topic, yet several of the explanations, provided for terms such as fudoshin, hara, and ki shed new light on these concepts, beyond just their relationship to Shodo.
Chapters three and four provide a very gentle introduction to the physical techniques while also providing an overview of the relationship between good posture and the proper state of mind. The importance of the coordination of mind, body, and spirit is presented in a way that should be easy for someone that is new to the Japanese cultural arts to grasp and understand.
I am again impressed with Davey sensei's ability to communicate a complex subject in an interesting and informative way that maintains the readers interest, while still capturing the subtleties of the topic.
From a beginner's perspective, this is an excellent reference, and I highly recommend it.
Shodo as it should be........2002-01-16
I recently finished reading the book, Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind and Body Harmony, by H. E. Davey. The book is excellent. I am novice (hardly even that, actually) when it comes to Shodo (having only recently begun studying Shodo), but your book provides a very smooth introduction, and does a great job of getting across the relationship between it and the other Japanese cultural arts (chado [tea ceremony], budo [martial Ways], kado [flower arrangement], etc).
It is written in a very positive way and contains many beautiful pieces of artwork. I very much enjoyed the "four experiments toward a positive mind," these are great examples of introspection. Though I am far from an expert in budo, I have spent many years training and researching this topic, yet several of the explanations, provided for terms such as fudoshin, hara, and ki shed new light on these concepts, beyond just their relationship to Shodo.
Chapters three and four provide a very gentle introduction to the physical techniques while also providing an overview of the relationship between good posture and the proper state of mind. The importance of the coordination of mind, body, and spirit is presented in a way that should be easy for someone that is new to the Japanese cultural arts to grasp and understand.
I am again impressed with Davey sensei's ability to communicate a complex subject in an interesting and informative way that maintains the readers interest, while still capturing the subtleties of the topic.
From a beginner's perspective, this is an excellent reference, and I highly recommend it.
Meditation in motion.......2001-08-18
For any person that practices shodo (meaning `way of calligraphy' ), sumi-e or any form of art that requires full concentration, I highly recommend to read this book. I practice sumi-e and shodo and I have books that cover the techniques in detail, but none of them goes beyond and get to the heart and true reason of this art, which is to achieve a state of mind and body harmony that led us to a form of spiritual realization.
The book talks `briefly' about the history of calligraphy, the Japanese aesthetics and principles (wabi and sabi), it's relation to the Zen philosophy, and it includes a chapter on how to make the first moves with the brush by practicing `the enso' (a zen character).
However, the main theme of this book is the meditative aspects of shodo. How to get a perfect posture to practice, how to use the mind with full concentration, how to `educate' our body, all this to become one with the brush and transcend in a spiritual way.
I do not know if this is the best book that deals with this aspect of shodo (I haven't seen more), but is a very good one, I can assure that.
Book Description
This moment of perfect clarity that is the force behind all the traditional Japanese artsâfrom archery to flower arrangingâis celebrated here in Dave Lowry's exploration of the common principles shared by calligraphy and the martial arts. Forty-two examples of Lowry's calligraphy, accompanied by his essays, show how the way of the brush reflects the strategic principles of the way of the sword. Each calligraphy represents a term from the martial artsâsuch as do, the way, or wa, harmony. The accompanying text amplifies our understanding of the term, what it meant to Japanese warriors, and what it means to practitioners of calligraphy and the martial arts today. What becomes clear is that these two seemingly unrelated disciplines actually partake of the same profound elemental spirit.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful food for thought.......2006-05-29
Lowry has created a series of 2-3 page mini-essays comparing and contrasting the budo and shodo, the art of Japanese caligraphy.
A wonderful inspiration for the beginning or advanced martial artist alike, he provides another delightful vehicle for reflection. A book to be read slowly and savored.
A lack of familiarity with the written Japanese language is no impediment to the enjoyment of this book. In fact, it may serve as something as a primer for the novice.
Worth multiple readings.......2005-03-10
Dave Lowry has written an excellent book that I've read on more than one occassion. As a bugeisha (one that studies the traditional Japanese martial ways) this small treatise on terms, kanji and philosophy used in most budo settings is quite enthralling.
I've found that as I've progressed in my own training, Mr. Lowry's "Sword and Brush" becomes even more profound. Going to my bookshelf, dusting off the book cover and reading it each year has proven fruitful. His simple and direct approach provide insight into shodo (the way of the brush), a particular kanji(s) history, which allows the reader to visualize the origins of the pictograph, and its transcendence into the combat ways of Japan. Each philosophical overview imparts a wisdom found by one who has truly studied the arts and can teach intricate meanings to the reader.
Lowry is a true student of the arts; an individual steeped in budo and bujutsu. He gets "it," and tries to share his knowledge with others.
Buy this book, you won't regret it.
The way of calligraphy illuminates the way of the warrior.......2004-11-03
This elegant book from renowned martial arts author Dave Lowry is both enlightening and pleasing to the spirit. Mixing examples of his masterful brush work with insightful and thought provoking stories, Lowry delves into the deeper meaning of common martial concepts. It is easy reading yet profound. I read it for the first time nearly a decade ago then recently picked it up again. I do not know if it is the natural maturity that comes with age or through the furtherance of my martial training but I have found it even better the second time around. If you are looking for deeper meaning in from your budo training, this work belongs on your bookshelf!
Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
A Must For Any Serious Martial Artist!.......2002-03-29
Plain and simple - Mr. Lowry lays it all on the line. This book captures the TRUE spirit of the martial arts! It's not about being "bad" or even about self-defense (although martial arts properly studied and used can come in handy when your back's against the wall) - it's about self-development. Nuff sed! Get the book - read it and learn!
Inspiring.......2002-02-06
Swordsman and calligrapher Dave Lowry discusses 42 Japanese concepts. Amongst other things, he covers do (the Way), martial arts teachers, training in the martial arts, timing, ku (emptiness), tan (forging), intent, gei (the cultivation of craft), and austerity. I myself practice eskrima, which has nothing whatsoever to do with Japanese martial arts, yet I found this book directly inspiring and helpful to my own training, so I would recommend it to any martial artist regardless of art.
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- Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy: A Structured Course in Creating Beautiful Brush Lettering
- Civil War (Marvel Comics)
- CMMI(R): Guidelines for Process Integration and Product Improvement (2nd Edition) (The SEI Series in Software Engineering)
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- Design Ideas for Kitchens (Design Ideas Series)
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- Evergreen: A Guide to Writing With Readings
- Fine Art Printing for Photographers: Exhibition Quality Prints with Inkjet Printers
- Firebrands: Building Brand Loyalty in the Internet Age
- Fools Crow: Wisdom and Power
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Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy: A Structured Course in Creating Beautiful Brush Lettering
Understanding Chinese Characters by Their Ancestral Forms
Chinese Calligraphy: An Introduction to Its Aesthetic and Technique, Third Revised and Enlarged Edition
The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy: Create Your Own Chinese Characters and Symbols for Good Fortune and Prosperity
Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting: Its History, Aesthetics, and Techniques
