奈良筆　（Nara Fude）

Japanese words become “書(Sho)” when it is written by “筆（Fude）”. Great calligrapher represents spirit behind the words by using “Fude”. “Sho” is not word but art. Therefore, “Fude” is very important tool to create “Sho”. There are various kind of “Fude” produced by Japanese traditional “WAZA”.

“奈良筆（Nara Fude）” is one of the Fude which has a long history. It is made by hands of craftsmen who have special technique to produce high quality Fude. There is “奈良の大仏（Nara no Daibutsu）” which is the biggest statute of Buddha in Todaiji, Nara. It is said that the eyes of “Nara no Daibutsu” is written by “Nara Fude”. Writing eyes of the statute of Buddha has a very important meaning because it is the ceremony so called “開眼（Kaidan）”. “Kaigan”　means that the soul is animated the body.

In Japan, it used be important ceremony to create “Fude” by using the hair of baby when baby is born. The hair of baby is suitable for “Fude” and after grown up, the hair is not suitable for “Fude” anymore. That is why Japanese parents made baby “Fude” by using the hairs of their children in commemoration of their birth.

“経(Kyo)” is called sutra or Buddhist scripture in English and it is a special culture in Japan. Japanese people chat “Kyo” at the time of funeral or any other time for important ceremony. “Kyo” imply deep meaning and people feel through chatting “Kyo”. Furthermore, “写経(Shakyo)” is also important for the formation of character and mental training.

Nowadays, “Fude” is practical and used in common when write a letter to your friend. The words written by Fude is soft and good for feeling ease. When your friend receive your letter written by “Fude”, your friend sure to be happy because it imply your emotion that you regards your friends important.