Japanese calligraphy with black ink, rice paper

Sharjah - Japanese Calligraphy organised by the UAE-Japan Cultural Centre are being held at the Sharjah book fair

By Rachel Dawson

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Published: Wed 8 Nov 2017, 8:28 PM

Last updated: Wed 8 Nov 2017, 10:30 PM

Around 15 ten-year-olds wait in anticipation for their first Japanese calligraphy workshop organised by the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). They're peeking into a purple house with a large glass door where the session is about to begin.
A poster that reads, "black ink stains last forever!" is on the whiteboard. Plastic rolls are spread, paint brushes, ink bowls and rice paper are set neatly on tables. Finally, the doors open. The teacher tells the teenagers they're going to learn to write the word "star" in Japanese. This four-letter English word consists of nine strokes in the Japanese script.
The instructor proceeds to do the task with ease. Now, the kids are instructed to slant their elbows and not use too much black ink. Things seem smooth sailing till the ink begins to blot the parchment paper. They're allowed multiple tries, but it still doesn't look as perfect as the one on the board. The instructor applauds their attempt anyway.
More workshops for budding calligraphists include the following:
Japanese Calligraphy organised by the UAE-Japan Cultural Centre imparts the necessary skill involved in one of the oldest styles of writing, November 8 to 11. Age limit: 8-14 years; Hall 3, Little World, Workshop 3.
The Learn Calligraphy workshop will focus on the basic strokes and techniques of the art, conducted by traditional calligraphy specialist Sachin Shah from November 8-11. Age limit: 6 years and over; Hall 3, Little World, Workshop 1.
Timings change as per the day; for more information, check sibf.com.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com


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