Today, I would like to introduce “The Structure of Brush Erosion: Phenomenology of Writing,” written by Kyuyoh Ishikawa.

This book is a philosophical theory of writing that goes beyond the boundaries of calligraphy to pursue the essence of the act of “writing” by an author who is a successful calligrapher. “Brush Erosion (Hisshoku),” indicated in the title, is a coined term created by the author, which means the tactile sensation underlying the entire act of writing, such as the brush touching the paper, pressing, moving, stopping, leaving, etc., and the marks left there – it expresses primordial force of writing. The book starts with speaking and writing, then unfolding from the perspective that the act of writing itself generates words.

I was reminded again of the importance of the tactile experience and spiritual activity that writing brings. I realized that there is a much bigger difference between writing characters by hand and typing characters on a keyboard than I had imagined. For me, working on font creation every day, this book made me think of the nature of modern characters. Because the act of writing is becoming something special now, how about delving into the act of “writing” that accompanies “brush erosion?”

Book Information:
“The Structure of Brush Erosion: Phenomenology of Writing”
Author: Kyuyoh Ishikawa
Publisher: Chikumashobo

Purchase Information: Amazon
Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.jp/筆蝕の構造―書くことの現象学-石川-九楊/dp/4480872043/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

(KT)