Unsui calligraphy has its origin in Zen Buddhism so it can be described as a way of writing as well as a way of life and a perception of oneness. Sullivan’s artistry is an inherited craft, and it has a perceived cultural and spiritual definition.
However in this article, I will discuss History, meaning and technique of Unsui calligraphy and how the practice relates the physical, mental, and spiritual in an artistic way.
In this article I will explain the origins of Unsui Calligraphy.
Paradise: Unsui which means cloud and water it is related to the roving monks in the line of Zen Buddhists who go from place to place with no property to their name just as clouds and water have no trace. This is the philosophy that underpins i calligraphy of freedom, free flowing and transient nature of existence. Unsui is a back formation from Dutch unsui, meaning ‘fresh-water fish,’ and is derived from Chinese ‘yun shui,’ variously meaning, ‘cloud water,’ ‘rain and water,’ or ‘preacher and water.’
Zen Buddhism was adopted in Japan and calligraphy became popular; thus, it developed into different such as calligraphy. In this industry, the artist aims at expressing the train of thought and feelings on paper in this style. In contrast to traditional calligraphy forms Unsui does not even try to draw perfect circle, but it emphasizes the energy, or the spirit, which has gone into the drawing of the calligraphic form.
Unsui calligraphy – An Analysis of its Spiritual Implications
Unsui calligraphy is heavily linked with the principals of Zen Buddhism. The most popular Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is depicted by the calligraphic representation of the Chinese character for Shan, meaning “faith.” The way the brush is used, the movements of the wrist truly convey thought process behind it, calligraphy must be one of the most therapeutic art forms.
When making of calligraphy, one has to erase all that is in his mind, and let the brush follow its course. Every stroke made is an artist’s soul at that particular juncture he made it. This practice is the epitome of ‘Be Here Now’ and one of the dogmas of Zen Buddhism, ‘wanzeru,’ which means non-attachment to outcome or product or result. The result is a sculpture that is imbued with life and power and which is so clearly the artist’s own.
Drawing Techniques Applied in Unsui Calligraphy
Despite the evoking appearance and feeling of Unsui calligraphy, there are absolute techniques to be met by the artists. The basics of this calligraphy include correct techniques of holding the brush, the correct motion of wrist and the amount of force applied while making strokes. The brush, which is prepared from animal hair, is attached perpendicular to the art work and with ease the artist tends to move it across.
One of the important topics that can be associated with calligraphy is “bokki”, which reflects the pace and dynamics of each stoke. The rhythm mentioned here is not artificial but develops on its own when artist breathes and moves with brush. The liquid, normally black, is moreover diluted with water to obtain a set of varying densities and thus a portfolio of hues and levels of definition. depiction of light and dark line gives the dimension and dynamic, and the evolution of natural elements such as cloud and water.
Emotion and Expression in Calligraphy Unsui
The thing that gives Unsui calligraphy a slightly differing tone from other types of calligraphy is that it seeks to convey the feelings of the artist. However, the normal style of writing, calligraphy may put so much value and techniques on neatness and symmetry as Unsui . Literally every one of them is the artists’ creation that mirrors their mood, thoughts, and feelings at the moment when the piece was created.
This emotional expression is described through the rate of the bristle movement and the force of the brush on the paper’s surface and on the angle at which it was done. For instance, a gentle, rapid movement might be used where the message meant to be cheerful or happy while a slow, thick movement might mean sad or , perhaps, deep in thought.
The reader can easily discern Unsui Calligraphy as a form of Meditation.
To the practitioners of Zen, Unsui is a way of meditating. The stroke actions in the painting, plus the feeling of relaxation and attention to every stroke have the effect of meditation. This form of art is called “shodo”, or “the way of the brush”,; this is because the artist is supposed to be mindful of the task.
During this state, art of writing the calligraphy is created in the manner that imitates the state of mind of the artist. Then positive thoughts, positive strokes will naturally and easily follow. If ones mind is distracted or worried, so too will this be evident in their brush work as well. These feelings make it easier for the artist to have more control over their thoughts and emotions and results in having a clear and peaceful mind.
The Visual Attractiveness of Unsui Calligraphy
Subsequently, apart from its religious importance, aesthetic value is also an important aspect of the calligraphy art. The actual lines are dynamic, and the stroke of the brush is different; the use of space in each of the paintings is harmonizing. Unsui is less formal than other forms of calligraphy and they were not treated like high art but felt far less controlled.
People interested in collecting calligraphy and art lovers choose Unsui calligraphy because of the elements of simplicity and profoundness included. This smoothened action is all a joyous product of time, effort and perfect mastery of the brush. Every single work is the fight and conciliation of order within chaos, and that is why Unsui is captivating the audience on the emotional level.
Conclusion
Unsui is also more than mere writing, it is an artful calligraphy where more than the word is being discussed. Falling within the sphere of Buddhism it has connections to Zen and especially it reflects aspects of enlightenment, detachment and emotion. Because unsui calligraphers draw with brushes, their artwork is the depiction of the current state of being.
Whether looked as a religious practice or for appreciation of the beauty of art Unsui calligraphy still reflects beauty that has not lost its charm and continues to enchant. Its aim is to mimic the primary business of art and artistic practice – the improvised, free and passionate movement as the expression of the inner self; that is why it can be considered as a separate type of calligraphy.