Honda Kôichi: the Japanese goldsmith who revolutionized Arabic calligraphy
It is said of him that he revolutionized Arabic calligraphy, and this is not to displease him… A true goldsmith of chiseled writing, Honda Kôichi is an authority in Japan and beyond the borders, even in the fascinating world of Islam which remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for his pen, alert, meticulous and respectful of the golden rules of this ancient art.
Undisputed master of a graphic design unique in the world, whose beauty of arabesques had amazed Picasso in his time, Honda Kôichi brings his Japanese touch to a major art, which nowhere else is more studied and respected than in Japan. According to him, Chinese ideograms and Japanese kana have contributed to developing an incomparable artistic fiber among his fellow citizens which makes them, more than any other people, particularly sensitive to the magnificence of Arabic calligraphy.
“ The shape of all the characters is natural, well balanced. The proportions are magnificent. Arabic calligraphy has a kind of musical rhythm, it feels like you’re hearing a melody, right? Even without understanding its meaning, we feel something”passionately describes this renowned artist, some of whose works are exhibited at the British Museum in London.
He remains captivated, as on the first day, by the elegance and finesse of the beautiful and noble writing from the Orient. A writing that embodies the perfect beauty envied by the West, without ever reaching its level of perfection.
“ I look for the beauty of lines while fully respecting the rules. It’s a principle I live by. The other calligraphers are understanding towards me, they do not reject my works. And they appreciate my way of seeing things. I’m delighted”specifies the man who served as an interpreter in the Middle East before his fascination with the splendor of his calligraphy transformed his vision of the world.
“ My time in the Middle East radically changed my view of the world. I even felt the need to express this change. This driving energy is still in me”he adds with an enthusiasm that has never faded.
It is Honda Kôichi, the ascetic of fine characters in the land of the Rising Sun, who devoted a large part of his life to sublimating the suras of the Holy Book, as if he were composing a new symphony each time, that we must “Pyramid of prayers”.
A blue pyramid, haloed with light, which rises towards the firmament, decorated with superb motifs, on which verses from the Koran are strung out to culminate at the top with the word Allah.
