Japanese Calligraphy by Poets, Monks, and Scholars, 1568-1868

Stephen Addiss

World renowned calligrapher and author of over 35 books, Stephen Addiss, PhD offers 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 these 77 beautiful pieces. 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.

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.

259 pages