Heart of the Brush

A guide to the history and enjoyment of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy that offers the possibility of appreciating it in a hands-on way—with step-by-step instructions for brushing 150 classic characters.

Its history, techniques, aesthetics, and philosophy come with an in-depth practical guide to understanding and drawing 150 characters.

It is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the history and art of calligraphy as it has been practiced for centuries in China, Japan, and elsewhere in Asia. It serves as a guide for the beginner hoping to develop an appreciation for Asian calligraphy, for the person who wants to give calligraphy-creation a try, and for the expert or aficionado who simply wishes to browse and delight in lovely examples. The book covers the history and development of the art, then invites the reader to give it a try.

The heart of the book, entitled "Master Samples and Study," presents 150 characters—from action to zen—each in a two-page spread. On each verso page, the character is presented in three different styles, each one chosen for its beauty and identified by the artist when possible. The character's meaning, pronunciation (in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese), etymology, the pictograph from which it evolved, and other notes of interest are included. At the bottom of the page, the stroke order is shown: the sequence of brush movements, numbered in their traditional order. On each facing recto page is Kaz's own interpretation of the character, filling the page.