Literature and calligraphy were essential for expressing the spiritual and ethical aspects of bushido. Sons of samurai began learning these arts from a young age, fostering discipline and respect for writing. In times of peace, samurai had more time for these pursuits, enriching their intellectual and aesthetic senses amidst the absence of constant wartime preparation.
Originating during the Kamakura period, yatate, or portable writing sets, were initially devised for samurai warriors to carry their writing tools conveniently. The set included a small grinding stone set in the bottom of their arrow quiver, known as yatate no suzuri, allowing them to make ink on the go. The concept evolved to incorporate a piece of saturated cotton or silk, eliminating the need for constant ink preparation.
Literature and Calligraphy
In Edo Japan, samurai played a crucial role in promoting literacy through han schools, educational institutions within daimyo estates or han. These schools taught various subjects, including etiquette, Confucian texts, calligraphy, martial arts, medicine and sciences. Samurai involvement significantly contributed to rising literacy rates, with estimates suggesting up to a third of men and a sixth of women were literate by the Edo period's end.
Edo Education
This lacquer box depicts emblems representing the four esteemed classes of Edo society: samurai, farmers, craftsmen and merchants. These boxes were used to store calligraphy materials or writings. Calligraphy mirrored their martial ethos, demanding focus and discipline akin to combat.