SEASONS: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with Tea Pairing 蛍

SEASONS is a series of Japanese calligraphy workshops taught by Aoi Yamaguchi focusing on the innate beauty of the transition from one season to another captured in poetry.

There are hundreds of kigo (季語, "season word"), which is a word or phrase associated with a particular season used in traditional forms of Japanese poetry. Summer edition of SEASONS in July, in collaboration with Tea at Shiloh, will be 蛍 (hotaru) or fireflies. Fireflies illuminate the night sky with their dreamy flickering lights that have been cherished as the seasonal symbol of summer since the Heian period in Japan. We will embrace the tranquil summer evening through tea pairing and Japanese calligraphy. 

The evening will have two parts: First, guests will be introduced to the artist’s selection of haiku poems with 蛍 (hotaru) to inspire, which will be paired with a cup of selected tea by Tea at Shiloh. After nourishing our mind and body, we will dive into Japanese calligraphy. We will go over a brief history of Japanese calligraphy, calligraphy tools and supplies, as well as proper posture. You will begin to explore how the self is reflected in your own writing. Guests will practice the kanji character “蛍” on up to 20 sheets of hanshi paper and take their own finished artwork home. 

We will also be celebrating the tradition of Tanabata, also known as Star Festival, a Japanese holiday to celebrate the meeting of star-crossed lovers Vega and Altair. You will be writing your own wishes on a Tanzaku paper strip to take home and hang on a tree. 

This workshop is designed for adult beginners. No prior experience or knowledge of Japanese is necessary. 

Lead by Aoi Yamaguchi - Japanese Calligrapher

Born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, Aoi Yamaguchi has been trained to master calligraphy learning under Master Zuiho Sato from the age of 6. She is a recipient of numerous awards and supreme prizes at competitive public exhibitions.  She uniquely transforms Japanese calligraphy into physical artistic expression through conceptual performance. She has performed with contemporary dancers, models, and traditional and contemporary musicians all over the world.

Currently based in Venice, California, Yamaguchi continues her work on her conceptual calligraphy installations, exhibitions, workshops and performances as she continues to push the boundaries of traditional Eastern classics and contemporary artistic expression. 

A Note from the Teahouse: With each workshop, we’re fusing the work of local artists and teachers together with our space and community. These evenings imprint new relationships, weave new worlds, and spark new beginnings. Thank you for your support.