About Takase Studios

Specializing in Fine Japanese Calligraphy, Artist and Master Calligrapher Eri Takase has a style that is refined and elegant. Her work has sold all over the world as fine art, custom art for individuals, and as commercial products in print and in film. After a lifetime study of traditional Japanese calligraphy, Master Takase has devoted herself to adapting her art to new mediums and methods and the results are breathtaking.

Focusing primarily on original works in Fine Art, Ms. Takase has also created a demand for her designs in commercial applications. For more about her commercial artwork please visit Graphic Design and Commercial Art.

Note: Eri is pronounced much like the English name Ellie.
To hear the actual pronunciation click Eri and Takase.

Born and raised in Osaka Japan, Ms. Takase trained in traditional Japanese calligraphy since the age of six devoting much of her life to the art. In 1989, Master Takase was awarded the rank of Shihan (or Master) in Japan's most prestigious calligraphic societies, the Bokuteki-kai and Bunka-shodo. In 1997 Master Takase founded her own school Takase Shodokai. Along with formal classes Master Takase also developed a series of learning CD's. For more information see Learn Japanese Calligraphy.

Master Takase is among the few to have won several best of category awards in national competitions and her work has been displayed in the Osaka Museum of Arts. To view this award winning art, please visit Traditional Japanese Calligraphy

In 1995, Master Takase moved to the United States and began transforming her art. Often quoted as saying, "Japanese Calligraphy is too beautiful a bird to be locked in the cage of a thousand years of tradition." She is also quick to add that the truly new comes from a respect and appreciation for what has come before. And so classically trained Ms. Takase's favorite expression is onkochishin (shown on the left) or "Respect the past, create the new."

This strong background in the classic art is apparent in all she does. From traditional works to modern designs one sees both the hand of the master and the vision of the artist.

In 1998 Master Takase won positions in juried art shows including the prestigious 57th Street Art Fair in Chicago and Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in Tampa. But much more comfortable in the studio Ms. Takase gave up the life of the journey artist for the hectic serenity of the studio.

Along with her art she has been a columnist in several magazines including Martial Arts Insider Magazine and Kampsport.

For the last five years, Master Takase has been publishing and producing a full range of instructional materials on Japanese Calligraphy with her unique Learn Japanese Calligraphy.

Making Japanese Calligraphy approachable to the international audience is one of her major goals and as you browse through this website perhaps you will agree that she has made tremendous strides.

Contact Information

Master Takase does go through an interpreter so direct phone conversations are difficult - the best way to communicate is by email at Eri@Takase.com.

Orders may be placed at Takase Studios On-Line Store

The studio is currently not open to the public.