How Are Sumi E Writing & Calligraphy the Same?

"Sumi" is the Japanese word for "ink." It is paired with "--e" to mean ink picture or "shodo" to mean ink calligraphy. The calligraphy used to adorn sumi-e paintings is the same used to practice calligraphy on its own.

Brushes

History

Sumi-e and calligraphy originated in China, which has a tradition of ink painting and writing reaching back thousands of years. This tradition traveled to the Japanese island in the 6th and 7th centuries.

"Essentially the Same Thing"

A 13th century Chinese critic wrote "Writing and painting are essentially the same thing." The Japanese likewise consider painting and writing to be two sides of the same coin, even using the same verb, "sho," to mean both "to write" and "to paint."

Materials

The same materials are used for both calligraphy and sumi-e painting: a brush made specifically for ink painting, an ink stick and ink stone, and unsized paper.

Technique

Sumi-e and calligraphy artists emphasize practice and concentration to master their art. A student of either practice must master the brushstrokes before he is able to let go of control and paint spontaneously.

A Living Work of Art

Chinese and Japanese ink paintings are considered a living work of art, unfinished even after the painter has completed the picture. Therefore, it is not unusual to find personal notes from the painter, remarks from friends or even later owners. Emperors often commented on the works they collected, leaving their mark on history.

References

• The Three Perfections: Chinese painting, poetry, and calligraphy; Michael Sullivan; New York, George Braziller, 1974.
• Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind and Body Harmony; H.E. Davey; Berkeley, California, Stone Bridge Press, 2005.
• Japanese Ink Painting: The Art of Sumi-e; Naomi Okamoto; New York, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc, 1993

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish