In ancient China, text was written vertically, with lines progressing from right to left. After kanji characters were introduced from China, this style of vertical writing likewise became the standard in Japan. Since the modern period, however, vertical and horizontal writing have come to be used side by side.

Today, horizontal writing used in daily life generally follows the left-to-right format influenced by Western languages. In calligraphy, however, the traditional right-to-left horizontal format inherited from earlier times is often employed (though there are exceptions, such as works featuring modern and contemporary writing).

Calligraphy art, while grounded in tradition, can be described as an abstract art form that uses written characters as its medium to create flow, resonance, and depth within space.

• List of works