Calligraphy by a Pen – How to Write Samurai – Japanese Culture and Traditional

Contents

0.1 The Symbol of Japan “Samurai” – Introduction to Brush-Pen-Calligrapher, Ms. Maria’s Work
0.2 The symbol of Japan “samurai”
- 0.2.1 What is “samurai”?
0.3 “Samurai”, the symbol of Japan. Now, how will the brush-pen-calligrapher Ms. Maria express this “samurai” character through her work?
- 0.3.1 Ms. Maria’s Comments

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The Symbol of Japan “Samurai” – Introduction to Brush-Pen-Calligrapher, Ms. Maria’s Work

Hello! I’m a writer of KARAKURIJAPAN, Yonosuke.

Samurai (traditional Japanese warrior). Today’s article is about brush-pen calligraphy! The person who will be demonstrating is, of course, our brush-pen-calligrapher Ms. Maria.

Today’s piece is even more KARAKURIJAPAN-like than usual!　

The symbol of Japan “samurai”

What the brush-pen-calligrapher Ms. Maria is going to write for us today is the character “samurai”.

It is a cultural figure unique to Japan. Many international countries may be familiar with the term “samurai” from popular culture.

Now let’s take a closer look at who the samurai is.

What is “samurai”?

Source：http://www.roomie.jp/2014/10/210409/

The samurai is either a status given to officials during the medieval period of Japan, or another name for traditional Japanese warrior, bushi. It comes from the term “saburau” which holds the meaning to “wait” and “obey”.

Samurai, a very Japanese unique culture. The samurai status was commonly used a few hundred years ago. However, it is still known as a term strongly associated with the Japanese culture.

The most common place this term appears is when people refer to the Japanese National baseball team as “samurai JAPAN”.

Source：NPB『SAMURAI JAPAN』logo

The unique mindset of the “samurai” called “bushido” (way of the warrior) includes the willingness of personal sacrifice in order to protect the leader, and the mindset of taking responsibility of one’s action to the point of harakiri (stomach cutting) when they fail. It could be said that it is samurai exclusive culture. Due to this, the samurai, along with the ninja (spies), is very popular around the world.

Being of Japanese descent, of course we should have some of this samurai blood passed down into our veins. The reason why the Japanese people are seen highly by the world may be thanks to the actions of the samurai long ago.

“Samurai”, the symbol of Japan. Now, how will the brush-pen-calligrapher Ms. Maria express this “samurai” character through her work?

“Samurai”, the symbol of Japan. Now, how will the brush-pen-calligrapher Ms. Maria express this “samurai” character through her work?

Let’s move on to how to write the character! Please refer to the video for more detailed instructions!

▲First start with the ninben (left section of a character that holds the meaning of ‘person’). By intentionally flipping up the second stroke, you can add strength to the character. As usual, Ms. Maria has great technique!

▲It is as if the brush-pen is dancing across the paper. The way she manipulates the pen is so beautiful!

▲“Samurai” written by our brush-pen-calligrapher Ms. Maria is complete! It’s beyond calligraphy and is a form of art! It emits a beauty perfectly for the character “samurai” that symbolizes Japan!

I’m sure people around the world would love to receive such a piece as a gift!

Ms. Maria’s Comments

Let’s now take a look at Ms. Maria’s commentary regarding today’s calligraphy.

I have an image of samurai who guard people in high-position.
I know only some famous samurais, such as Musashi who used two swords.
Because I don’t have much knowledge about samurai,
I wrote it with the image of signboards of some izakaya or sushi bar.

It seems that Ms. Maria didn’t know a lot about the samurai. But if an izakaya or a sushi bar had a sign like this, I’m sure the store will be a hit. If it was overseas, I assume it will be even more successful!

Ms. Maria, thank you for another wonderful performance!

You can check out more of Ms. Maria’s work at KARAKURIJAPAN. Each one is a wonderful piece! Please check it out!

Also, brush-pen-calligraphy can be done by anyone as long as they have a brush-pen and a piece of paper! Please give it a try!

Until next time!

>>Watch Other Works by Ms. Maria