An introduction to Chinese and Japanese brush calligraphy by award-winning calligrapher and PhD calligraphy researcher Matthew James (pen-name ‘Mashū’).
We’ll learn about the history, styles, and famous names of calligraphy in the Far East before trying to write Chinese characters with a brush and ink.
After a little practice, we’ll have a go at writing on special boards that can be taken home as souvenirs of the experience.
- Refreshments, expert instruction, and all equipment and materials provided
- No prior knowledge or experience required
- Don’t wear your best clothes – we’ll be using ink!
Age: Suitable for age 14+
Place: The Art Place is located in Meadows shopping centre.
Time: 10 -13:00
About the instructor:
Matthew (pen-name 真秀 ‘Mashū’) was born in Derbyshire and began studying calligraphy soon after moving to Japan in 2000 to take up a post as an English teacher. His works have won awards at national competitions in Japan and been exhibited at prestigious museums.
He is a trustee of the Kenshin Calligraphy Association, an advisor to the Yomiuri Calligraphy Association, and in 2017, he was invited to give a workshop for foreign visitors at the National Art Center in Tokyo.
He returned to the UK at the end of 2023 to share the many wonderful things he has learned about East Asian culture with people in his native country.
With that goal in mind, he is undertaking a PhD at the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures, which is affiliated to the University of East Anglia. His research focuses on the introduction of a new style of calligraphy to Japan in late 19th century.
In addition, Matthew continues to participate in exhibitions and arts events in both the UK and Japan and teaches Japanese online.
You can find out more about Matthew here.
Safety and inclusivity If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
The Art Place is a Creative Community Safe Space and a project of Ideas Hub (reg. charity). We appreciate your support in helping us continue to provide services like this to the community.
Check out all our workshops at https://linktr.ee/the_art_place.
Thank you for supporting our charity!
