We will introduce some of the classes offered in the calligraphy field as well as other activities.
Arts and Letters
Calligraphy Basics I-1I-2. I-3
We aim to develop basic abilities for writing by copying famous calligraphy in regular script, cursive script, and kana. Students will not only learn the brushwork and structure of each classic, but also acquire the ability to judge what is good and what is bad and improve it through corrections by teachers. In addition, with a view to applying this knowledge to the creation of works, we will also focus on learning how to compose a work.
Calligraphy Appreciation A, B, C
In A, we will read Chinese literature related to the history of Chinese calligraphy. In addition to cultivating specialized knowledge, we will acquire the ability to read long Chinese texts, which will serve as a foundation for future thesis writing. In 2022, we dealt with literature on Chinese calligraphy, which played a major role in the spread of calligraphy, and deepened our understanding.
In class B, we will look at calligraphy artifacts, including the four treasures of the study, and explore changes in production methods and styles while handling some actual relics. We will also learn basic knowledge necessary for appreciation, such as mounting formats.
In class C, we will read classical Chinese texts related to the history of Chinese calligraphy. By actually reading the postscripts attached to famous calligraphers, we will explore some of the ways people in the past thought about calligraphy.
History of Japanese Calligraphy A, B, C
This course surveys the history of Japanese calligraphy. Using historical materials from time to time, students will learn how to handle them while also learning about the historical background and the surrounding cultural situation. Students will also appreciate reproductions to gain a deeper understanding of the overall picture and current state of preservation. In addition, previous research will be introduced as appropriate through the lectures, allowing students to learn about the progress of research activities to date, and it is possible to develop this into individual research and studies. Students will also learn how to handle scrolls and the format of copying sutras.
Calligraphy Practice A-1, A-2,B-1・B-2
This class will study famous calligraphy from the Heian period, particularly ancient calligraphy that epitomizes the beauty of kana. Using ancient calligraphy such as Takanokiri, Sunshoan shikishi, and Tsugi shikishi, students will learn about the history, characteristics, and basic techniques of the calligraphy. In class, students will actually view reproductions of old calligraphy, confirm old calligraphy by the same writer, and make copies of writing paper. Through these processes, students will deepen their knowledge of old calligraphy from the Heian period and develop their ability to appreciate it. In practical classes, students will make full-size and enlarged copies of the old calligraphy mentioned above. Finally, students will copy (write by imitating) the existing parts of the old calligraphy and strive to restore the lost parts.
Calligraphy Practice C-1・C-2
Students will create their graduation project based on what they have learned. They will be able to try their hand at old calligraphy that was not covered in the previous classes, as well as Takanokiri, Sunshoan Shikishi, and Tsugi Shikishi. They will be able to demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired so far by copying and imitating calligraphy, restoring lost parts, and recreating mountings to the original style at the time of copying. Depending on individual needs, they will research the history and current state of old calligraphy, search for writing paper, and create a dictionary.
Off-campus seminars A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2
By viewing calligraphy works in museums and art galleries around the country, students will gain a deeper understanding of calligraphy. Curators and researchers will give explanations and they may even be shown special calligraphy works, making this a very beneficial experience for both research and practice. Before and after the seminar, students can also independently visit other related facilities and stores.
Graduation Research A & B
In the calligraphy field, both a thesis and creative writing are requirements for graduation.
The graduation thesis is the result of four years of study, and is compiled as a thesis on topics such as Chinese calligraphy history, Japanese calligraphy history, character studies, production theory, and calligraphy teaching methods. Through classes and independent research, students will focus on a theme that interests them, examine previous research, and present new findings. A supervisor will be appointed midway through the third year, and students will progress with the course while receiving advice from a supervisor.
For their graduation projects, students are required to submit two copies or imitation pieces of kanji, kana, or seal carving, and one original piece. By assigning students to create works that are not limited to one of kanji, kana, or seal carving, students are able to develop the ability to think about practical skills and calligraphy from a variety of perspectives. As a result of their learning, students will be able to restore ancient calligraphy, and some works will be able to evoke the original form of ancient calligraphy that no longer exists. The exhibition room at the Tsukuba Museum of Art used for the graduation exhibition is 5.2 meters high, making it possible to display large works.
Students from all fields in the School of Art and Design will submit works to this graduation exhibition, with outstanding works being awarded the University of Tsukuba Art Award (2 pieces) and the School of Art and Design Dean's Award (a small number).
Master's degree course area
Kanji Creation A & B
This class focuses on copying and creating calligraphy from bronze inscriptions and Chu script. Because an understanding of ancient Chinese characters is essential for creating works, students will begin creating works after deepening their understanding of the meaning and origin of each character through reading literature. From time to time, students will also look at literature related to modern Chinese philology, so Chinese language is a compulsory subject.
Kana Production A & B
This class focuses on copying and creating kana calligraphy. In creating works, students will mainly select ancient calligraphy that is not covered in the school, and will deepen their understanding by restoring lost parts based on knowledge of Japanese literature and bibliography. In addition, students may also copy writing paper.
Doctoral Course Book Area
Doctoral course classes include special seminars in which students are required to give presentations on their research topics.
Other activities
Exhibition
Some students have won awards after submitting their work to various public exhibitions, and some have presented their work in solo or group exhibitions.
Study abroad / international exchange
Students can study abroad at universities overseas, including affiliated schools, and deepen their studies through local learning and research.
There are various support systems available for studying abroad.
