When red spider lilies (higanbana) signal the calm of autumn in Japan, focus comes naturally. In Part 1 you trained posture, brush placement, motion, and the finish with 一. Now it’s time for “永”—the classic shortcut to fundamentals in Japanese Calligraphy.
Why “永” matters
The character “永” concentrates eight essential stroke ideas (dots, horizontal/vertical lines, left/right sweeps, flicks, hook, and a clean stop). In one word you repeat the cycle start → move → finish, building:
- Control: consistent line weight and ink flow
- Design sense: spacing and negative space (ma)
- Repeatability: the ability to produce the “same” line on demand
20-minute drill: from “一” to “永”
0–5 min | Warm-up with “一” (×6)
Reset posture. Check brush angle and a quiet, tidy stop.
5–15 min | “永” (×8: four slow, four normal)
After each character, note entry weight, thickness changes, and final stop.
15–20 min | Review
Keep your best three. Compare spacing and rhythm. Mark one improvement goal.
Mini tip (Japanese culture in practice): On unhurried days, grind an ink stick on the suzuri. The aroma and tonal range train your eye and hand—many a Japanese artist treats this as mental warm-up.
A quick map of the Eight Principles (永字八法)
- Dot / 点: a compact beginning with clear intent
- Horizontal / 横: steady travel and a decisive close
- Vertical / 縦: straight lift with even pressure
- Left sweep / 払い: glide while lightening the brush
- Right sweep / 反り: change speed without streaking
- Flick / 跳ね: compress, then release with control
- Hook / 鉤: turn while containing the tip
- Final stop / 収筆: settle the ink; silence the line
Tool upgrades that actually help
- Brush (fude): live with one medium brush; learn to open/close the tip for texture.
- Ink (sumi): bottled for practice; ink stick for artwork and richer tone.
- Paper (washi): if bleeding is heavy, try a slightly harder sheet.
- Underlay & paperweights: prevent slip and curl—your line quality will jump.
A weekly routine that compounds (30 min × 2/week)
- 5 min: “一” to reset horizontals
- 10 min: “永” ×6 (focus on two elements per session)
- 10 min: numbers 二・三 to train parallel lines and rhythm
- 5 min: archive your best piece with notes on weight / stop / spacing
FAQ (search intent, answered)
Q1. What do I need to start Japanese Calligraphy?
A. One medium brush, bottled ink, washi (practice paper), an underlay, and paperweights.
Q2. Is the “Eight Principles of 永” good for beginners?
A. Yes. It packs eight core movements into one character, so short sessions still build skill.
Q3. Should I learn “一” or “永” first?
A. “一” → “永.” “一” stabilizes your horizontal line; “永” raises overall control.
Q4. How do I get the nuanced tones I see in a Japanese artist’s work?
A. Vary ink load and pressure. For wider tonal range, use an ink stick and adjust grinding time.
Your step today
If you notice higanbana on your walk, write “永” eight times tonight. File the quietest sheet as your “best.” Autumn rewards steady, simple practice.
deepens your connection to Japanese tradition.
Explore and purchase hand-selected Japanese calligraphy artworks:
https://calligraphyartwork.stores.jp/
Discover the stories, history, and unique meaning behind Japanese calligraphy:
https://0108shimizu.wixsite.com/japanesecalligraphy
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