Designing with Kanji

Viac o knihe

Japanese kanji characters uniquely blend meaning and beauty, serving as a medium for artistic expression. If you're unfamiliar with the language, this book offers a way to find kanji that resonate with your intentions rather than relying on clichés. It features over 130 kanji presented in a user-friendly format. For instance, you can post the kanji for "kenshin" on a mirror to symbolize your dedication to studies, embroider "bussho" on a cushion for meditation on "Buddha nature," or tattoo "Zatoichi" in honor of your favorite blind swordsman. The book categorizes kanji into themes like Warrior, Heart, Nature, and Spirit, helping you choose characters that best express your feelings. Each entry provides historical or etymological insights, along with intriguing "kanji facts." You can trace, photocopy, or stencil the clear letterforms, which are shown in various kanji fonts, to achieve your desired effect. An introduction to kanji, writing tips, and a supplement on Zodiac kanji for birthdays are also included. The authors aim to enrich your experience of kanji in art and design, encouraging you to explore creative expressions in innovative ways. Shogo Oketani and Leza Lowitz, writers and translators, reside in the San Francisco Bay area.