CLASS:
Kisyuu offers hands-on Japanese calligraphy one-off workshops and lessons in series.
One-off workshop will be perfect for those who are interested in trying something new and leaning this 4000 years long lasting traditional art. During the two-hour introductory workshop, you will be introduced basic Japanese calligraphy technique, history, ink and paper, then create calligraphy artworks with your newly acquired calligraphy skills! Everybody is welcome – no calligraphy experience or Japanese language skills are necessary. Let’s enjoy calligraphy!
Beginner Class Series (8 weeks) will be perfect for those who want to study deeper than what is provided in the Workshop and improve both your writing skills and the balance between mind and body. Available sessions will be listed as they are scheduled. Choose a session that suits your level and goals!
Scroll down to find out more!
WORKSHOP
8-WEEK COURSE SERIES
DATES & TIMES: 6 Sundays from October 4 to November 8 at 11:00am-1:00pm
LOCATION: 825 Pacific St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3
FEE: $295 (2hrs lessons x 6 weeks)
This 6-week course will be perfect for those new to Sumi-e and want to learn how to draw Sumi-e painting properly (Sumi-e is a brush painting technique which came from China in the 13th century; then Sumi-e has made its own development in Japan). You will learn various techniques of gradation, shading, bleeding, and blurring. Get your mind ready to explore creativity and let your brush flow! You will also learn how to write some Japanese characters in calligraphy so that you can add Japanese phrases to your Sumi-e art.
During six weeks, we will go over the basics of Sumi-e painting and draw multiple items. The potential schedule is:
Week1 - Different Kinds of Bamboo (bamboo in the sun, rain, and windy day) and Vegetables (How to draw lines, make gradations, and use reverse line technique)
Week2 - Flowers and Leaves (How to use standing and lying brush, drawing with and without outlines)
Week3 - Sceneries 1 (How to use wet, dry, and broken brush tip)
Week4 - Sceneries 2 (How to use masking liquid)
Week5 - Draw sumi-e with colour (Use colour ink and all the techniques learned in previous lessons to draw camellia)
Week6 - Final Drawing (Practice a little more complicated drawings with all the techniques learned in previous lessons)
*Everybody is welcome – no prior art experience or Japanese language skills are necessary!
*Students will be required to bring their own equipment. In the case that students do not own equipment, basic calligraphy kits can be purchased from Kisyuu at cost.
*Maximum number of participants is 5. Register soon!
DATES & TIME: 6 Sundays, November 8 to December 13 at 1:30-3:30pm
LOCATION: 825 Pacific street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3
FEE: $295
REGISTRATION: Please email Kisyuu or click INTERESTED button below if you’d like to register for the course. You will receive an follow-up email from Kisyuu.
This 6-week course is suited for people who have completed Kana 101 course at Kisyuu Calligraphy or people who have experience in calligraphy. While we continue to learn basics of Kana 仮名 writing which is a historical Japanese writing style created by women around the 9th century, Heian period, we will focus on learning Manyo-Gana (万葉仮名) which is the origin of Kana written form (similar to the Cursive style). Additionally, we will write some stories from the Tale of Genji while looking at different ways of expressions which are suitable for each chapter.
*The curriculum may be changed during the course.
*Minimum number to open the course is 3, Maximum number of participants are 5. Register soon!
*You may be asked to purchase the special paper for Kana writing.
DATES & TIME: 4 Saturdays, November 7 to November 28 at 11:00am to 1:00pm (2 hours)
LOCATION: 825 Pacific Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3
FEE: $200 (includes carving tools rental) + fee for a stone and red ink pad (the price varies depending on the size. Around $10-25 in total). Please contact Kisyuu if you already have some supplies.
REGISTRATION: Please email Kisyuu or click INTERESTED button below if you’d like to register for the course. You will receive a follow-up email from Kisyuu.
During this 4-week course, you will learn about the oldest style of calligraphy, Tensho (Seal script), and how to carve your own name stamp on a stone. You will be asked to make your own design using the seal script style that we learned during the course.
While you’re making your stamp, you will also learn about the tools, how seal culture has developed, and practice different styles of the Tensho script from 4000 years ago.
All the tools will be prepared at the studio. Just bring yourself and your curiosity to learn!
*The curriculum may be changed during the course.
*The minimum number to open the course is 3, Maximum number of participants is 5. Register soon!
*You will be asked to sign a waiver since we will use a knife during the class.
A 4-Week Journey into East Asian Culture & Art
DATES & TIMES:
1) 4 Saturdays, November 14 to December 5 at 2:00am to 4:00pm (2 hours)
2) 4 Sundays, November 15 to December 6 at 11am-1pm (2 hours)
LOCATION: 825 Pacific St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3
FEE: Full course fee $200 / Individual session fee $50 or $55 with calligraphy supply rental
REGISTRATION: Please email Kisyuu (kisyuu@kisyuu-calligraphy.com) or click the INTERESTED button below to register.
What is Bunjin Literati Salon?
Step into the fascinating world of Bunjin (文人)—the literati, scholars, artists, and intellectuals of East Asia who cultivated a deep appreciation for calligraphy, poetry, painting, tea, and the natural world.
Inspired by the traditional literati culture of China and Japan, this special 4-week course invites you to explore the rich connections between calligraphy, philosophy, history, and art. Beyond practicing brushwork, we will discover the stories, ideas, and aesthetic sensibilities that have shaped East Asian artistic traditions for centuries.
Each session will introduce a different historical figure, cultural tradition, or artistic concept through discussions, visual explorations, and hands-on creative activities. Enjoy a welcoming space to exchange ideas, deepen your appreciation of Japanese and Chinese culture, and discover new ways to express yourself through brush and ink.
Course Contents
Throughout the four weeks, we will explore:
Week 1 – Ogishi/Wang Xizhi (王義之) and the Spirit of the Literati: Discover the history and philosophy of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy through the life and legacy of Wang Xizhi, one of the most celebrated calligraphers in East Asian history. Explore the ideals of literati culture and the relationship between calligraphy, poetry, and intellectual pursuits.
Week 2 – Auspicious Symbols (吉祥模様) and Calligraphy: Explore the fascinating world of auspicious motifs, symbols, and characters in Chinese and Japanese culture. Learn how wishes for happiness, longevity, prosperity, and good fortune have been expressed through art and calligraphy.
Week 3 – Kūkai (空海): Sanskrit, Spirituality, and the Art of Writing: Discover the multifaceted world of Kūkai, a Buddhist monk, scholar, poet, and calligrapher. Explore the relationship between Chinese characters and Sanskrit Siddham (Bonji 梵字), and the spiritual significance of written forms. Through brush and ink, experiment with abstract ink art inspired by movement, energy, and the essence of nature.
Week 4 – Baisao (売茶翁) and the Culture of Tea: Explore the fascinating life of Baisao, a monk, tea merchant, and calligrapher who helped popularize Sencha tea culture in Japan. Discover the connections between tea, Zen, calligraphy, and the literati lifestyle, and enjoy a relaxed gathering inspired by the spirit of Baisao.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for anyone interested in Japanese and Chinese culture, history, philosophy, calligraphy, and traditional arts.
Whether you are a calligraphy enthusiast or simply curious about East Asian culture, you are welcome to join us in exploring the fascinating world of the literati. No previous calligraphy experience is necessary.
Registration
Participants are encouraged to register for the full 4-week series to enjoy the complete cultural journey.
Registration for individual sessions is also welcome, subject to availability. Priority will be given to participants registering for the full 4-week course.
Please contact Kisyuu for availability if you would like to attend specific sessions only.
The curriculum may be adjusted during the course.
Join us for a unique cultural journey through history, art, and the spirit of the literati!
ONLINE COURSE SERIES
Date: 3 Thursdays, August 14th, 21st, and 28th
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm (PT)
Location: Online, Zoom
Fee: $117 ($109 when you pay via e-transfer - please email Kisyuu for more information)
What is it?
This is a special 3-week calligraphy course where we'll focus on mastering the Block (Kaisho) style. You'll also learn essential calligraphy theories and discover tips to boost your confidence in writing. The Kaisho style is often considered the most challenging because its precision makes mistakes more noticeable, so this session is a great way to refine your skills!
What will we cover?
Here are some topics we'll explore:
Master the basics of the Kaisho style (8 key strokes)
Learn how to stabilize your brush using your body’s core
Understand the three essential elements of calligraphy
Discover secret techniques to make your kanji characters more balanced
Add character to your writing by engaging your five senses
Create your final piece of art!
Who should attend?
This session is open to everyone! It's perfect for those who recently completed the Beginner course and want to deepen their understanding of the Kaisho style. It's also an excellent opportunity for those who've been focusing on other styles to revisit and strengthen their Kaisho foundation.
Additional Info:
Maximum of 6 participants; a minimum of 2 participants is required for the session to proceed.
You will be asked to prepare your own calligraphy tools.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Kisyuu Calligraphy offers private lessons both in-person and virtually. One-on-One, Two-on-One, or a small private group lesson options are available. If you prefer to learn in the small group setting, please contact Kisyuu for more information.
GIFT CARD
The perfect gift for art lovers. Gift someone special with the experience of learning a new skill!
This gift voucher is for one workshop registration to any workshop by Kisyuu Calligraphy. Workshops are held about twice a month in Vancouver area, so there is plenty of opportunity to use it!
This 2 hour workshop will cover the basics of Japanese calligraphy, the possibilities of ink, basic brush strokes and how to write Japanese letters with a brush and ink.
You will receive a printable gift voucher via email within 48 hours of ordering the gift voucher with the receivers name on the card.
INSTRUCTIONS TO ORDER:
In the special notes section, please write the name of who the gift voucher is from, for and the additional message (optional).
I will create a gift voucher for them, with a code they can use at checkout when they have chosen their workshop date.
DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 3rd at 11:00am-1:00pm
WHERE: 825 Pacific Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3
Embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of Japanese calligraphy—an art form that fuses tradition, mindfulness, and self-expression. Immerse yourself in a 2-hour introductory workshop designed to ignite your passion for Japanese culture, Zen, and the joy of exploring new experiences.
Guided by experienced calligraphy master Kisyuu, you will learn the fundamentals of this ancient practice. Discover the fascinating history and elegant tools that have shaped Japanese calligraphy for centuries.
Workshop contents include:
Japanese calligraphy history and tools
How to hold and control the brush
The structure and meaning of Japanese characters
Basic brush technique
The possibilities of sumi ink
Express yourself with the brush and ink
How to write kanji characters
Create your own art
Explore the structure and significance of Japanese characters, and unlock the boundless potential of the brush and sumi ink. Unleash your creativity as you express yourself through brushstrokes, and witness the beauty of your own unique artwork taking shape!
Join us on this transformative journey and discover the captivating beauty of Japanese calligraphy—an experience that will nourish your soul, deepen your understanding of art and culture, and awaken your creative spirit.
*No prior calligraphy experience or knowledge of the Japanese language is required—everyone is welcome! We provide all the necessary materials, so there's no need to bring anything except your curiosity and enthusiasm.
*Additionally, we offer a special discount for children under 14. If you have any questions or wish to avail of the discount, please reach out to Kisyuu via email before registering.