Japanese Calligraphy workshops and classes
Eisai offers regular workshops tailored to individual needs and classes by private arrangement.
Perfect for those who are interested in trying something new and learning traditional Japanese art.
Learn to focus on bringing the balance of mind and body together as well as one’s individual mindfulness process by practising Japanese calligraphy
Workshops
During an introductory workshop you will learn about the main Shodo writing styles and the four major tools called Bunbo Shiho: brush, ink stone, sumi ink stick and calligraphy rice paper.
You will be introduced to the proper brush technique, how to hold and control the brush and the correct writing posture.
You will learn how to write basic strokes and then move on to learn how to write a character of your choice. You will practise your writing on calligraphy paper so you can produce a special piece to take home.
Purchase a gift voucher for one or more recipients that can be used for any of our workshops.
Autumn Workshop – Embrace the Season of Change
Enso – Mindful Brush Stroke Workshop
New Year Special Kakizome Workshop
Valentine’s Day Workshop
🌸Sakura🌸 – Spring Workshop
Classes
Please check back for more classes. You can also contact Eisai to be alerted when new classes become available or to enquire about a private class.
I attended a short course in Japanese Calligraphy with Eiko, expecting to not achieve very much but wanting to try and understand the beauty of Japanese calligraphy. It was a treat not only to learn about the different strokes that make up individual characters and to begin to write words but also to start to develop an appreciation of broader Japanese culture. The calm meditation at the start of each class helped me into the right frame of mind and the soft background of Japanese music helped to keep this calm throughout the lesson. I was pleased to write some characters/words that meant a lot to me personally and would love to learn more – I created two finished pieces (not brilliant but a start) and I even have a lovely Japanese Origami crane to treasure – the symbol of peace.
A fascinating and absorbing introduction to the art and culture of Japanese calligraphy. Eisai’s expert tuition took us through the basics of how to hold the brush, the individual strokes, and developing that into complete Hiragana and Katakana syllables and Kanji characters. By the end of the course, we were able to produce a complete message in Japanese calligraphy. Eisai not only taught us the technical aspects of Japanese calligraphy but also the cultural and meditative significance of the art. I found the course totally absorbing and relaxing and came away wanting to learn more about this intriguing subject.
I attended a beginner’s course in Japanese calligraphy with Eisai and absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was relaxed and calming – a great start to my morning, especially with the meditative breathing before we started each class. She taught us the basic strokes required to write kanji with a brush while being mindful of stroke spacing and flow as well as explaining different origins, cultural significance, and correct posture when using the brush. By the end, I was able to use a brush to draw my chosen kanji in the correct manner and it now hangs pride of place on the wall!
I had a wonderful experience in Eisai’s calligraphy classes. I was impressed by her preparations for the classes, how each step of the lessons was thought through, her deep attention to each student and her desire to teach a new skill. I learned how important the combination of holding the brush, proper breathing and body posture create beautiful strokes. I am trying to use this knowledge in my artwork. I want to attend Eisai’s classes again.
I found this a peaceful and mindful pastime with an arty flair. Eisai is modest but brilliant and very patient and encouraging. Really beautiful experience. Thanks so much.
I have attended a number of Eisai’s Japanese calligraphy courses and really enjoyed the experience. It’s a beautiful art and Eisai is a very patient – and talented – teacher.
We visited Eisai-san for a Valentine’s Day calligraphy class in 2022, and what a lovely time it was! We spent the session learning all the basic Japanese calligraphy strokes and putting brush to paper (which is easier said than done!) and learning the intricacies of the techniques. After some hard work (and a lot of patience and guidance from Eisai-san), we attempted the Kanji for Love! We very much look forwards to visiting Eisai-san again to learn more about Japanese calligraphy and culture.