Calligraphy

General information

For those interested in traditional Japanese figurative art, we offer courses in Japanese calligraphy (shodo) and ink painting (sumi-e). In the courses, you can learn the basics of using the Japanese brush (fude) and Japanese ink (sumi) by writing Japanese and Chinese characters or painting images in the traditional rinsho style. You will use both classical and modern Japanese artworks as models. The instructor will guide you to recognize the beauty of the works and to understand their aesthetic meaning. She will show you how to use the brush and teach you the different ways how to lead the line.

It is generally understood that the “art of the brush” can evoke a sense of peace of mind. Come with us to let go of the responsibilities of everyday life, concentrate fully on writing and forget about the ordinary worries. It is for these reasons that many people in Japan practice calligraphy, ink painting and other forms of art.

In our classes, we would like to guide you to be able to enjoy these moments of full concentration while writing and painting.

Calligraphy courses in the summer semester 2025

A course focused on learning traditional Japanese calligraphy. Students will learn how to use a brush, master different strokes and learn to perceive the uniqueness of character shapes. They will gain experience in calligraphy by practicing the traditional rinsho style.

Calligraphy classes are open to beginners as well as students with some experience. Students are given assignments according to their level of proficiency and the classes emphasize an individual approach. Materials will be provided on site for the time of the lesson. If you are able to bring your own old newspaper, we would be grateful.
Age limit: we accept students of the age 15 and higher. Thank you for your understanding.

Calligraphy (1x per week)
15 lessons of 90 minutes each
every Tuesday (except public holidays)
It is also possible to sign up for a single lesson based on availability (see below)

Start of the calligraphy courses: 4th February 2025
The last lesson of the semester is scheduled for the second half of May 2025
For serious reasons, some lessons may be cancelled and replaced the following week, thus extending the semester. You will be informed of this in due course.

The venue: the Lucerna Palace, Vodičkova 36, Prague 1

You can reach the entrance directly from the Vodičkova Street (where trams pass), you will pass the newly opened Cafe Bar Lucerna and Pub Lucerna on the ground floor. Immediately behind it there is the entrance to the Vodičkova Palace. Please ring the bell number 401 (now relabelled “Institute of Language Education”), after opening the glass doors, enter the elevator on the right and go up to the 4th floor. There you will pass through the glass doors and head to the left, where the lecturer meats you.

The current price list can be found here: https://japan.cz/en/courses/price-list/

You have to register for each lesson no later than the Thursday preceding the Tuesday course, by 3 pm at info@japan.cz (please specify the following in the message: your name and surname, email and phone number, and the prefered day and time of the lesson as well as potential availability for the other time slot in the same day). The course fee can be paid in advance in the KIS of the CJA during opening hours or after confirming your participation by transfer to the CJA account.