Tools and media the ancient japansese used for communication and writing
In Ancient Japanese calligraphy, a number of tools are used to make a composition. These calligraphy tools were nicknamed the “jewels of script-making”. Traditionally these tools are:
An ink stick- the older the ink stick is, the stronger the concentration. The best ink sticks are around 50-100.
Mulberry Paper- these are highly effective to write on, as it has a slightly textured surface so that the ink won’t run.
An ink stone- to grind the ink stick against, as this ensures the ink stick to be shaved into a fine powder, so that it can be mixed with water to make ink.
A paper weight- to hold the paper in place.
A cloth- to place under the paper to prevent ink from bleeding through.
A brush- the brush tip was made with horse or donkey hair in the ancient times.
A seal- The art of engraving a seal is called. This seal is technically a red stamp, stamped on to one’s page as a form of recognition to whom wrote the calligraphy. The stamp was made of wood.
Using these tools to write, the Ancient Japanese developed a way of forming angular lines when writing the characters.
The Ancient Japanese also used paper structures to get their message across to each other. This they called “origami”. They would fold different shapes using a piece of paper, and sometimes write a few words on the finished paper structure to symbolise a meaning. The most common used was a paper crane to symbolize luck. This is seen in present Japan on many occasions, especially celebrations such as weddings. I think that this shows how wise the Ancient Japanese are - and to this day - still is with using the materials they have around them to create successful ways of communicating with each other
An ink stick- the older the ink stick is, the stronger the concentration. The best ink sticks are around 50-100.
Mulberry Paper- these are highly effective to write on, as it has a slightly textured surface so that the ink won’t run.
An ink stone- to grind the ink stick against, as this ensures the ink stick to be shaved into a fine powder, so that it can be mixed with water to make ink.
A paper weight- to hold the paper in place.
A cloth- to place under the paper to prevent ink from bleeding through.
A brush- the brush tip was made with horse or donkey hair in the ancient times.
A seal- The art of engraving a seal is called. This seal is technically a red stamp, stamped on to one’s page as a form of recognition to whom wrote the calligraphy. The stamp was made of wood.
Using these tools to write, the Ancient Japanese developed a way of forming angular lines when writing the characters.
The Ancient Japanese also used paper structures to get their message across to each other. This they called “origami”. They would fold different shapes using a piece of paper, and sometimes write a few words on the finished paper structure to symbolise a meaning. The most common used was a paper crane to symbolize luck. This is seen in present Japan on many occasions, especially celebrations such as weddings. I think that this shows how wise the Ancient Japanese are - and to this day - still is with using the materials they have around them to create successful ways of communicating with each other