Hideo Muranaka
This textbook is a summary of an introductory study of Japanese calligraphy for college students. It includes brush writing systems of Kanji (Chinese characters) and a Japanese syllabary (Hiragana or Katakana).
This book will help students comprehend Japanese calligraphic historical information makes it easier and more interesting for students to practice writing characters with brush and ink.
Hideo Muranaka received his BFA and MFA from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1970, 1972.
His pencil drawing was selected and he was invited to participate with The Pacific Coast States Collection from the Vice President’s House at the Vice President’s House, Washington, D.C., 1980, and exhibited at the National Museum of American Art, 1981. His drawing (pencil, ink) was awarded the Second Prize from the International Art Exhibition for MUSEO HOSIO in 1984 and First Prize, 1988, Italy. His calligraphy was awarded the First Prize from the Nogijinja (general Nogi Shrine) Calligraphy Exhibition, called "Kensho" in 1961 and the numerous others.
Biographical data: Who’s Who is American Art, 17th Edition, 1986; Men of Achievement, 1988, England, etc.
For some time I have thought it would be helpful to write an introductory study of Japanese calligraphy for my college students. This book has grown out of that idea.
Japanese calligraphy dates back to the 3rd or 4th century A.D. In Japan we use Chinese characters as well as the Japanese syllabary of Hiragana and Katakana. After the official introduction of Kanji (Chinese characters) to Japan in the 6th century A.D., Chinese calligraphy systems spread all over Japan.
The Japanese people responded to a growing need to develop their own syllabary in order to read Chinese phrases which have different sentence structures. The most popular calligraphic style is the O GI SHI (Wang His Chih) tradition.
I will introduce a variety of Chinese and Japanese calligraphic styles to help students’ understanding of brushwriting systems. Choose your favorite calligraphic manner and develop your own brush and inl writing style.
Enjoy this ancient art form as creative and thoughtful expression.
Hideo Muranaka
California State University, 1999
