Japanese+Calligraphy

=**Japanese Calligraphy**= Japanese calligraphy is basically artistic writing, derived from Chinese calligraphy, making the two very similar. Wang Xizhi, a Chinese calligrapher that lived during the 4th century, was well known in the Japanese culture. The invention of Hirigana and Katakana, the Japanese unique syllabaries, this writing system developed and calligraphers produced things similar tot the style of Japan. It was typically written with ink on mulberry paper. =Connection to Zen Buddhism= in order to do perfect Japanese calligraphy, it is important to concentrate, and be fluid in execution. Zen calligraphy, is practiced by Buddhist monks, and most shodo practitioners. In order to write zen calligraphy,with mastery, one must clear one's mind, and let the letters flow out of themselves not practice and make a tremendous effort. =Japanese Calligraphy Today= calligraphy is an elementary school subject, in japan mandatory education system. in high school, calligraphy is one of the choices among art, along with music and painting. japanese calligraphy has also