This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.
Fold: oru (折)
The Japanese character 折 (oru) is a versatile verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. It can mean ‘to bend’, ‘to fold’, or ‘to break’. This character is commonly used in various situations that involve changing the shape or form of an object or material. For example, it can be used when bending a metal rod to fit into a structure or breaking a stick for firewood.
One specific example of the use of 折 (oru) is in the word ‘origami’ (折紙), which means ‘folded paper’: ‘oru’ (to fold) and ‘kami’ (paper) to create various shapes and objects, which is a popular art form often used for decorations, gifts, and even in mathematical and scientific applications in Japan and around the world.
Leave a Reply