A rare opportunity to see an ancient female script–one created mainly by and for woman–come to life! Kaoru Akagawa, official Master of Japanese calligraphy, is the guardian of the script Kana Shodo. Noblewomen developed it to express themselves freely within the constraints of 10th-century Japanese court life. Women communicated using this beautiful syllabary for nearly a millennium, until the tradition was lost in the twentieth century.

To celebrate National Writing Day, the Book and Print Initiative has invited Kaoru Akagawa, designated Master of Japanese calligraphy, to tell the story of Kana Shodo. She keeps it alive today through a calligraphic technique she created to revive these ancient Kana characters for modern times. She will then offer a live demonstration of this script and her artistic practice at Senate House, London, followed by a wine reception.

Introduced by: Clare Lees (IES)
Convenor: Elizabeth Savage (IES)

Free and open to all; reserve a seat at bit.ly/2019IESWW